Experienced Fabrication Welding Engineer (EN-MME-FW-2025-146-LD)

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.

Introduction

As an Experienced Welding Engineer in CERN's Engineering Department, you will have the opportunity to get involved in the whole lifecycle of mechanical fabrication of complex components for CERN's particle accelerators. You will play a key role in developing and supervising advanced assembly and welding procedures for the fabrication of technically demanding components such as pressure vessels, cryogenic systems, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and radiofrequency structures. A particular focus of this position will be the fabrication and installation of low-temperature high-pressure lines.

Come and test yourself against a diverse range of fabrication technologies, serving as the link between physics and mechanical production. You enjoy both scientific and laboratory work. Take Part!

Functions

As an Experienced Welding Engineer in the Forming & Welding Section, you will:

• Manage a team of highly skilled technicians and engineers in metal forming and welding.
• Develop and supervise advanced assembly and welding procedures for the fabrication of technically complex components, including pressure vessels, cryogenic systems, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and radiofrequency structures used in CERN’s accelerators and experiments. 
• Be responsible for delivering welding development projects on time and within budget. 
• Work closely with the QA/QC project team during manufacturing and production testing phases.
• Stay up to date with key international standards, codes and CERN’s guidance and procedures and ensure all proposed solutions are in fully compliant.
• Ensure the continued development of the welding engineering team capability and competencies.
• Build and maintain industry connections, staying informed about the latest developments.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of material science, mechanical engineering or a related field.

IWE or equivalent would be an asset.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in welding technologies such as: arc welding, beam welding, and vacuum brazing, particularly for the fabrication of components used in cryogenic applications, ultra-high vacuum systems, and pressure equipment.
• Proven expertise in welding stainless steel and nonferrous metals, including aluminium alloys and copper.
• Strong track record in managing complex projects, including development of manufacturing processes, technical supervision of fabrication, activity coordination, schedule planning, and budget control.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and supervising highly skilled technicians in forming and welding technologies.
• Proven expertise in setting up and monitoring quality assurance systems, aligned with technical and regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on experience performing tracer gas leak detection techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of welding standards and construction codes, including but not limited to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and the Standard EN 13458-2 specifying requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of cryogenic vacuum insulated vessels.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of joining techniques:
  • in depth knowledge of welding joining technologies;
  • good knowledge of NDT techniques such as radiographic and ultrasonic testing.
• Knowledge of metals and alloys:
  • composition, structure, properties, heat treatments: in-depth knowledge of material sciences, materials selection and characterisation;
• Knowledge and application of materials, surface and thermal treatments for UHV:
  • good understanding of the material behaviour under UHV and demonstrated experience for the fabrication of components for UHV applications;
• Manufacturing of mechanical parts:
  • hands-on ability and knowledge in high-precision mechanical engineering, demonstrated experience in the conception of tooling;
• Production of 2D drawings and 3D models:
  • ability to read/interpret technical drawings and ISO tolerancing (dimensional and geometrical product specification standards), ability to design tooling and draft technical drawings.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results:
  • delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations;
  • being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt;
  • having a structured and organised approach towards work;
  • being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Managing self:
  • working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting;
  • taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
  • remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment;
  • focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Learning and sharing knowledge:
  • keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information;
  • sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others;
  • coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer;
  • creating or participating in forums to exchange experience, comparing techniques and learn from others.
• Communicating effectively:
  • expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner;
  • keeping to the point
  • ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Working in teams:
  • cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals;
  • balancing personal goals with team goals;
  • building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships;
  • seeking to help other team members when own work is done;
  • supporting others.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 12.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (2 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work, stand-by duty and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-MME-MA-2025-146-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer