Mechanical Technician for Cooling System (EP-ATL-PO-2026-152-GRAE)

Contribute to the installation and maintenance of cooling systems at CERN.

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Overview

Contribute to the installation and maintenance of cooling systems at CERN.

You have:

  • Initial experience in piping system assembly.
  • Basic knowledge of cooling equipment.
  • Some experience in metalwork and basic machining.
  • Initial experience with electrical wiring and system connections is considered a plus.
  • Experience in the manufacturing of mechanical parts is considered a plus.
  • Ability to understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
  • Applicants must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • Have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Electromechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Highest educational qualification must be a general secondary education diploma.
  • Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Contract

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

Job Description

The EP-ATL-PO section is preparing for the technical challenges of Long Shutdown 3 (2026-2030). During this period, the ATLAS detector will be upgraded with new detector systems requiring active cold and warm cooling, with cooling capacities ranging from several to several hundred kilowatts.

As an Electromechanical Technician with initial experience in cooling systems and/or fluidic pipe assemblies, you will contribute to the installation, testing, commissioning, and operation of complex cooling systems using water, CO2, nitrogen, and process gases. You will work in the highly constrained and demanding environment of the detector.

Your responsibilities

  • Removing and disassembling cooling systems and components.
  • Manufacturing, testing, and installing piping and manifold boxes.
  • Performing maintenance, repairs, testing, and modifications on major cooling systems and equipment.
  • Troubleshooting issues and developing repair solutions.
  • Ensuring that all necessary safety measures are implemented on work sites.
  • Preparing and carrying out acceptance tests.

Your profile

  • Initial experience in piping system assembly.
  • Basic knowledge of cooling equipment.
  • Some experience in metalwork and basic machining.
  • Initial experience with electrical wiring and system connections is considered a plus.
  • Experience in the manufacturing of mechanical parts is considered a plus.

Skills

  • Familiarity with assembling mechanical structures and equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of construction or maintenance of cooling systems and piping networks.
  • Ability to understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
  • Flexibility, teamwork, and continuous learning mindset.
  • 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 Electromechanical Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
  • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 19.06.2026 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-August-2026

This position involves:

  • Work in Radiation Areas.
  • Interventions in underground installations.
  • Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
  • Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
  • Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: EP-ATL-PO-2026-152-GRAE

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 300050 - Electromechanical Technician

Global Benefits

  • A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
  • 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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Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with cooling systems and fluidic pipe assemblies. This question assesses your practical knowledge and experience in relevant systems. Provide specific examples of systems you've worked on, detailing your role.
How do you ensure safety measures are implemented in your work? The interviewer wants to understand your commitment to safety protocols. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe a time you troubleshot a complex issue with a cooling system? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What basic knowledge do you have about Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when working in constrained environments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with teamwork in mechanical projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How willing are you to learn French while working at CERN? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to work with minimal supervision in your past roles. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 day ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: careers.cern