Mechanical Engineer for Safety Systems (EN-AA-CSE-2025-156-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

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the EN department, you will join the Access and Alarms group (EN-AA) which is in charge of the design, engineering, installation, maintenance, operation, and consolidation of the systems that ensure the safety and access of CERN personnel, users, and visitors on all CERN sites, accelerators and experimental facilities. You will collaborate with the group’s engineers and other CERN groups contributing to CERN’s fire safety and access projects, particularly the consolidation project for one of the CERN SPS accelerator’s underground areas (called BA7). This role requires close collaboration with CERN personnel from other departments and groups such as fire prevention, fire and rescue service, 3D integration, radioprotection, accelerator and experiment coordination, and contractor teams.

Are you a dynamic and skilled mechanical engineer looking forward to new challenges? Are you interested in safety systems and in particular fire protection and extinguishing systems? Join us and contribute to CERN’s ambitious projects. Take part!

Functions

• Participate in the preliminary study, specification, design, follow-up of manufacturing and installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance and operation of the BA7 area sprinkler system.
• Support the BA7 Fire Safety project leader in all technical and organisational matters.
• Study and design specific customised solutions when industrial off-the-shelf products are not available.
• Draft, verify, and validate engineering specifications, system concepts, mechanical designs, and design reports, and ensure that the technical choices comply with specifications, especially radiation-controlled environment constraints.
• Develop testing processes and carry out tests and validation of the new systems.
• Participate in planning, monitoring, and controlling the project's schedule, costs, and quality.
• Manage activities in the framework of existing industrial contracts.
• Ensure supervision of on-site works.
• Support smaller size projects as well as operation and maintenance of safety systems under the responsibility of the group whenever required.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• A demonstrated experience of Fire Safety Systems: fire detection, fire protection, sprinklers.
• A demonstrated experience in production, testing, installation and commissioning of mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Experience in reading, creating, and interpreting 3D models and 2D technical drawings.

Technical competencies:

• Design and construction of piping networks: (sprinklers, pumping stations).
• Assembly of mechanical structures and equipment.
• Knowledge and application of joining techniques: brazing and soldering.
• Design and analysis of mechanical structures: and knowledge of related standards.
• Production of 2D drawings and 3D models.

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction, and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions; working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; readily accepting new tasks or work/projects; demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available; identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.

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 07.09.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

When required by the needs of the Organisation:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-AA-CSE-2025-156-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer