Survey & Alignment Engineer

ALBA Synchrotron; Cerdanyola del Vallés; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

ALBA Synchrotron in Spain is hiring a Survey & Alignment (S&A) Engineer to ensure precise positioning of equipment by developing and maintaining surveying, metrology and alignment systems.

The role covers reference networks, precision alignment, stability studies, and support to divisions and engineering projects with collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• University degree in Geomatics and Topography Engineering.
• Experience in metrology of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience with surveying and alignment software and data processing tools.
• English level demonstrated at B2 level.

Responsibilities

• Execute alignment processes for accelerators, beamlines and supports during installation and maintenance.
• Prepare and perform quality control for new parts and components (mechanical metrology).
• Operate and maintain instrumentation for the Survey & Alignment group.
• Design and monitor production of auxiliary mechanical alignment components.
• Conduct vibration measurement campaigns and process results.
• Draft documentation for procurement and coordinate with other groups for integration.

Skills

Geomatics

Topography

Metrology

Surveying software

English (B2)

Education

Geomatics and Topography Engineering degree

Tools

Laser Tracker

3D arm

Job description

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.

Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.

Our highly motivated staff works in a multidisciplinary work environment with an atmosphere formed by lived diversity, inclusion and respect for our colleagues. One of the goals of our gender equality plan is to reach parity within the Consortium’s different divisions and offices, and several actions have been taken to encourage applications from women mostly in scientific, engineer and technical job positions.

Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.

Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.

For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMqiH4qBAo

Tasks

The S&A Engineer Will Join The S&A Group To Contribute To Ensuring The Precise Positioning Of The Synchrotron’s Equipment And Infrastructure Through The Development And Maintenance Of Surveying, Metrology And Alignment Systems. This Includes Reference Networks, Precision Alignment, And Stability And Vibration Studies, As Well As Providing Technical Support To The Synchrotron Divisions And Engineering Projects.

The Tasks To Be Performed Are:

• To execute alignment processes for components (accelerators, beamlines, instrumentation supports) during both installation and maintenance phases, as well as for new equipment.
• To prepare and perform quality control for new parts and components (mechanical metrology).
• To operate and maintain the instrumentation at the S&A group.
• To perform the conceptual design and monitor the production of auxiliary mechanical components specific to alignment tasks.
• To conduct vibration measurement campaigns, including the processing of results.
• To participate in drafting the documentation required for the procurement of specific instrumentation for the Survey & Alignment group.
• To produce results reports and perform any necessary calculations.
• To coordinate tasks and ressources with other engineering groups or divisions to ensure the integration of alignment specifications into the overall projects.
• As well as any other similar and reasonable duties or responsibilities assigned by Management, where applicable.

Requirements

The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.

Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.

The successful candidate must hold a university Degree in Geomatics and Topography Engineering.

Selection Process Development

The selection will be carried out through the competition-opposition system.

As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.

The Assessment Of The CV In The Competition Phase Will Be Scored Up To 40 Points, Which Will Consider The Following Aspects:

• - Advanced training related to reference and alignment networks, metrology and high-precision measurement techniques. (Max 10 points)
• - Experience in metrology of mechanical components and assemblies. (Max 10 points)
• - Experience in the operation, maintenance and calibration of Survey & Alignment instrumentation and metrology equipment, especially with the Laser Tracker & 3D arm. (Max 5 points)
• - Experience in vibration and mechanical stability measurements, including data analysis and interpretation. (Max 5 points)
• - Training and/or experience in metrology, survey and alignment software, data processing and analysis tools. (Max 5 points)
• - English level (Max 5 points which are achieved demonstrating a B2 level)

The best rated candidates, at least two if possible, will be invited to an interview where the technical competence, knowledge, skills and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. A minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points to be eligible.

Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

The Interview Will Include At Least

• Presentation of professional experience (up to 25 points).
• Auto-assessment of soft skills (up to 15 points).
• Vision of the job position (up to 10 points).
• Motivation for applying (up to 10 points).

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection board may require accreditation by additional documentation, originals or certified copies confirming the experience invoked in the CV.

In case of a tied final score, the position will be awarded to the person who belongs to the most underrepresented gender in the corresponding Division and subsidiarily to the overall company.

If necessary, alternates of the members of the selection board will be appointed by the president of the selection process, and the change will be published in the announcement.

The resolution of the selection procedure will be carried out within a maximum period of six months from the deadline for submitting applications for participation.

The selection process may be declared vacant if the selection board considers not to have found eligible candidates for the position although they might meet the requirements to participate in the selection process specified in the offer.

On 19 October 2026, the first sentence of the tasks section was changed from: “The S&A Engineer will join the S&A group to contribute to the management of the reference points network by the development of the following tasks:”. To “The S&A Engineer will join the S&A group to contribute to ensuring the precise positioning of the synchrotron’s equipment and infrastructure through the development and maintenance of surveying, metrology and alignment systems. This includes reference networks, precision alignment, and stability and vibration studies, as well as providing technical support to the synchrotron divisions and Engineering projects. The tasks to be performed are:”. The change makes the position’s mission more precise.

Other Information

Permanent contract.

Base salary range €34,516 – €36,022 gross per year.

The base salary offered will be determined according to the selected candidate’s qualifications, relevant professional experience, competencies and overall suitability for the position.

Additional remuneration: annual productivity bonus (approximately 4% of the base salary), subject to the applicable internal policy and performance evaluation.

ALBA also offers an attractive employment conditions, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Marta Llonch Burgos, Carles Colldelram Peroliu and Josep Nicolas Roman.