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Mechanical Technical Engineer - Vacuum Equipment

Fixed-term Position 10 to 12 months

Geneva (Switzerland)

Published on 28 August 2026

  • Contract

    Fixed-term Position 10 to 12 months

  • Location

    Geneva (Switzerland)

  • Start date

    As soon as possible

  • Salary

    Information not provided

  • Remote working

    Not specified

What you'll do

Looking for an opportunity to apply your mechanical engineering skills to the upgrade of the world's most powerful particle accelerator? Join CERN's Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group and contribute to the upgrade of critical beam vacuum systems that are essential for the performance and reliability of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Working alongside experienced engineers, technicians and physicists, you will support the installation, testing and commissioning of key equipment that will help prepare the LHC for future scientific discoveries. No prior experience in particle accelerators is required. We will provide all the necessary training and support, making this an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in a unique international environment.

Your responsibilities
  • Perform vacuum acceptance testing of baked components intended for installation in the HL-LHC collimator upgrade.
  • Test and validate vacuum equipment before installation, perform residual gas analysis (RGA) ensuring it meets performance and quality requirements.
  • Carry out leak tests, bake-out system installation and non-evaporable-getter (NEG) activation on vacuum components and assemblies.
  • Assemble and prepare mechanical and vacuum systems for installation and operation.
  • Support the installation, testing and commissioning of equipment for the LHC upgrade programme.
  • Prepare technical documentation, test reports and intervention records.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and support the procurement and delivery of technical components.
  • Participate in maintenance, upgrade and repair activities on equipment installed in the LHC tunnel.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile
  • Experience with helium leak detection methods and equipment.
  • Experience with on-site vacuum system work, including mechanical installation and in-situ testing.
  • Basic experience with outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems and with quadruple mass spectrometers (RGA) for residual gas analysis in UHV environments.
  • Practical familiarity with techniques for achieving and maintaining UHV conditions.
  • Your studies focused on BSc in Technical and Applied Studies.

Your skills
  • Understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles and fundamentals.
  • The ability to analyse data from ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges.
  • Basic knowledge on how to assemble and install UHV-compatible components and systems.
  • Knowledge of helium leak detector use and the ability to perform leak testing and interpret results.
  • The ability to prepare, update, and manage technical documentation.
  • Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/11/2026
Contract duration (in months): 24
Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

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

Application deadline

As long as the job is online

Study level

Bachelor level or equivalent

Job Category

Energy, Materials & Mechanical engineering

More about the company

CERN

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