Mechanical Engineer for Vacuum

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Additional Information

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.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Compensation: 6372 to 7004 (CHF) (MONTHLY)