Mechanical Engineer for Vacuum (TE-VSC-DLM-2026-173-GRAP)

As a Mechanical Engineer for Vacuum you will join the team working on the vacuum systems for a future accelerator at CERN (FCC-ee) and contribute to the selection, characterisation and validation of materials and processes for ultra-high vacuum components. In this role, you will be involved in defining samples and prototypes, their production and procurement, as well as their testing and validation.

Your responsibilities

• Actively participate in the development of the FCC-ee vacuum systems, particularly in materials and process selection, characterisation and validation, as well as prototyping.
• Contribute to the internalisation and in-house development of key manufacturing technologies for large component production.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team dedicated to the FCC-ee study.
• Communicate regularly with CERN-wide services and external companies or institutes.

Your profile

• Experience with metallic, in particular copper alloys, and ceramic materials for UHV applications.
• Experience with metallic and ceramic additive manufacturing processes, including plasma spray, cold gas dynamic spray and 3D SLM printing.
• Experience with metals hot and cold work processing and welding technologies. Experience with Laser and/or Friction Stir Welding is an advantage.

Skills

• Fabrication of mechanical parts with CNC machine, in particular with CAM software.
• Production of samples for materials characterisation including microscopic observations.
• Prior knowledge or use of WorkNC is an advantage.
• Design of mechanical parts with CAD program. Use of CATIA is an advantage.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Mechanical/Materials & Process Engineering (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: 30.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-February-2027

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job reference: TE-VSC-DLM-2026-173-GRAP

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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