Mechanical Engineer - Thin Film Coatings (TE-VSC-SCC-2026-84-GRAP)

Join the Technology Department to lead the Beam Screen Treatment project at CERN.

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CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Overview

Join the Technology Department to lead the Beam Screen Treatment project at CERN.

You have:

  • Practical experience in assembly and operation of mechanical systems.
  • Proven experience in coordinating activities on the field.
  • Experience in follow-up of process quality.
  • Proficiency in designing mechanical parts with CAD software.
  • Practical experience in operation of vacuum system and/or coating system would be an asset.
  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science (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.

Contract

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Job Description

Join the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings group in the Technology Department and contribute to the Beam Screen Treatment (BST) project at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This project will apply a thin carbon coating in situ to the LHC's cryogenic beam pipes during the upcoming Long Shutdown, an essential step to unlock the accelerator's future performance.

After a short hands-on training, you will be directly involved in assembling and commissioning advanced coating systems. You will then take on a leading role in deploying the coating process in the LHC tunnel, working at the heart of one of the world's most complex scientific instruments.

Your responsibilities

  • Get trained and operate the coating systems for depositing carbon thin films in the LHC beam lines.
  • Be part and lead a team deploying the coating in the LHC tunnel.
  • Train the team members on the operation of the coating systems.
  • Produce the documentation for follow-up of the coating process for quality insurance.
  • Report to the engineer in charge for ensuring smooth coordination with the other teams.
  • Propose ways to improve existing coating systems, procedures, and methodologies.
  • Take part in the maintenance of the coating systems.
  • Work in a multi-cultural team of engineers and technicians.
  • This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

More information here.

Your profile

  • Practical experience in assembly and operation of mechanical systems.
  • Proven experience in coordinating activities on the field.
  • Experience in follow-up of process quality.
  • Proficiency in designing mechanical parts with CAD software.
  • Practical experience in operation of vacuum system and/or coating system would be an asset.

Skills

  • Mechanical assembly.
  • Team management.
  • Operation of vacuum systems.
  • Operation of coating systems.
  • Quality insurance follow-up.
  • Reporting.
  • Mechanical design with CATIA, or equivalent CAD software.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 26.05.2026 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-July-2026

This position involves:

  • Work in Radiation Areas.
  • Interventions in underground installations.
  • Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
  • A valid driving licence.
  • Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
  • Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2026-84-GRAP

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

  • A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 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

Can you describe your practical experience with mechanical systems assembly? This question assesses your hands-on experience and technical expertise. Provide specific examples of mechanical systems you have assembled or operated.
How have you successfully coordinated activities in a team on the field? This gauge your team leadership and coordination skills in a practical setting. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies have you used to ensure process quality in your previous roles? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share examples of your experience with CAD software? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you manage team training on new systems or processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What improvements have you proposed in previous technical systems or processes? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever worked in a multi-cultural team? What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about CERN and its projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 23 days ago - Source: careers.cern