Mechanical Design Engineer (EN-MME-MD-2026-97-GRAE)
Join CERN as a Mechanical Design Engineer to create designs from concept to production.
Overview
Join CERN as a Mechanical Design Engineer to create designs from concept to production.
You have:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- You have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical / Technical Engineering (or a related field).
- Your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- You have practical knowledge of mechanics and mechanical systems.
- You are committed to learning French.
Contract
This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.
Job Description
As a motivated young mechanical design engineer, with a specific interest in seeking practical solutions around mechanical systems, CERN's graduate program may very well give you that challenging opportunity.
The mandate of the MME group, within the Engineering Department (EN), is to provide to the CERN community specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication and material sciences. Historically the group maintains and develops the know-how on the mechanical construction of beam accelerator components and physics detectors.
You will join the Design Office that is in charge of mechanical design of components required for CERN's accelerator and detectors, comprising many high tech. equipment such as superconducting magnets and cavities, vacuum systems and instrumentation. And under the supervision of a senior design engineer, you will design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production.
Your responsibilities
- Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5, adhering to ISO GPS norms.
- Carry out simple structural analytical and numerical calculations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the group, material science, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
- Continuously improve designs based on feedback and testing results.
- Participate in problem-solving and troubleshooting activities related to design and production issues.
- Maintain accurate documentation of designs, modifications, and project progress.
Your profile
- Strong understanding of ISO GPS tolerancing standards and their application in mechanical design.
- Practical knowledge of mechanics and mechanical systems.
Skills
- Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA V5 for creating 3D & 2D drawings.
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical / Technical Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
- Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 23.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
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-June-2026
This position involves:
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- A valid driving licence.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Job reference: EN-MME-MD-2026-97-GRAE
Field of work: Mechanical Engineering
Benchmark job: 301190 - Mechanical Technical Engineer
Global Benefits
- A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience with CAD software, particularly CATIA V5. | The interviewer wants to assess your proficiency in the software crucial for this role. | Detail specific projects or experiences where you used CATIA V5 to create models. |
| Can you provide an example of a challenging mechanical design problem you encountered and how you solved it? | This question assesses your problem-solving skills relevant to mechanical design. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure your designs adhere to ISO GPS standards? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your approach to collaboration when working on design projects. How do you handle conflicts in a team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What steps do you take to maintain accurate documentation of your designs? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Have you worked in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines? How did you manage your time? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your understanding of the role of mechanical systems in particle accelerators? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell us about a time when you received feedback on a design and how you used it to improve your work. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |