Mechanical Safety Engineer (EP-DI-SO-2025-124-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

You will integrate the Safety Office team of the CERN Research sector and Physics department and specialise in all safety challenges of the Neutrino Platform project at CERN and in the US with a specific focus on mechanical safety domain.

Functions

You will assist the RCS-EP DSO for all safety matters related to the Neutrino Platform (NP) activities at CERN and in the United States, in particular:

• Carry out safety risk assessments for all NP platform activities at CERN, evaluate the conformity with CERN's safety requirements; propose and assist the implementation of appropriate compensatory safety measures where needed, perform regular safety inspections, ensure follow-up on recommended actions;
• Coordinate and participate to the creation and maintenance of the NP Safety File;
• Perform incident analysis when required and follow up the recommendation's implementation;
• Assist the CERN personnel in matters of safety during their installation, and commissioning activities related to the LBNF/DUNE experiment at SURF, or in any other project site; you will interact with the LBNF DUNE safety organisation, reviewing working procedures, performing risks assessments, verifying the implementation of the safety measures and reporting to the RCS/EP DSO;
• Provide support to the NP for all mechanical safety aspects related to the logistics and transport of DUNE equipment under CERN's responsibility.

On the longer term, participate in the LBNF DUNE cryostat qualification campaign in the United States, with primary responsibility for the strain gauge testing campaign during the cryogenics and cryostat commissioning phases. This will include the development of the instrumentation plan, mechanical data processing and analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), preparation of final qualification documentation, and drafting of associated quality assurance (QA) and safety justification materials.



The successful candidate will be required to spend a significant amount of time working from our U.S. site to support local operations and collaborate closely with on-site teams (Lead, South Dakota, SURF).

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

Experience:

• Extensive experience in mechanical Finite Element static and dynamic analysis (ANSYS software would be a plus);
• Proven experience in safety engineering, in particular risk assessments and equipment conformity in the mechanical, cryogenics, work site fields.

Technical competencies:

• Design and analysis of mechanical structures: (static, dynamic, modal, shock, vibration);
• Occupational safety and risk management;
• Knowledge of the European or the US safety standards in particular in the fields mechanical, cryogenics, pressure vessels, occupational safety.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams:
  • building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships;
  • working well in groups and readily fitting into a team;
  • participating fully and taking an active role in team activities;
  • contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude;
  • addressing issues.
• Achieving results:
  • delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations;
  • driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion;
  • taking appropriate corrective actions and adapting work / project plans if necessary.
• Demonstrating flexibility:
  • adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements;
  • readily accepting new tasks or work/projects;
  • being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
• Managing self:
  • working well autonomously;
  • taking on activities and tasks without prompting;
  • taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen;
  • using time efficiently and effectively.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn 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 Organization. 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 13.07.2025 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.
• 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.
• Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DI-SO-2025-124-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer