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Mechanical Engineer for Vacuum

Mechanical, Materials, Process.

About us

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. 

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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.

This position involves:

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

What we offer

  • A monthly net stipend of either 6,372 or 7,004 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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Job ID Number: TE-VSC-DLM-2026-173-GRAP
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Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    November 30th, 2026
  • Starting
    February 2027
  • Salary
    6,372 - 7,004 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax) + benefits
  • Degree required
    Master's/PhD
  • Location
    Geneva (Switzerland)
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Disciplines Accepted...
  • Chemical/Process
  • Materials/Metallurgy
  • Mechanical
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