Mechanical Technician in Heavy Handling Section (EN-HE-HH-2025-178-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) provides CERN with the Engineering expertise, Infrastructure Systems and Technical Coordination necessary for the design, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling phases of the CERN accelerator complex and its experimental facilities. 

The position is within the Handling Engineering Group (EN-HE), responsible for preparing, organizing and coordinating all transport and handling operations for the CERN accelerators and experiments. The Group also manages the transport of thousands of conventional and unconventional items, chemical and radioactive products each year.

As a Mechanical Technician in EN-HE, you will be responsible for organising and supervising transport, handling and lifting operations of goods in accelerators complex, experimental areas and industrial buildings both underground and in surface premises.

Functions

As a Mechanical Technician, member of EN-HE-HH Section, you will: 

• Coordinate transport & handling operations for the Accelerators complex, Experiments and surface premises;
• Collaborate with the EN-HE design office to develop special handling tools and conduct logistic studies;
• Collaborate with Radiation Protection Services for Work Dose Plannings and Radiological work permit (DIMR);
• Participate in coordination & planning meetings in order to evaluate technical needs and resources allocation;
• Propose and/or assess possible handling & transport solutions; 
• For specific operations, analyse working procedures and Safety assessment; 
• Supervise activities on site ensuring Safety during the operations in both conventional and radioactive environment;
• Perform handling operations in specific situations; 
• Participate in the on-call service. 

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of mechanics or mechanical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

As Mechanical Technician: 

• Extensive experience in heavy handling and transport operations; 
• Proven experience in worksite logistics; 
• Proven experience working in a radioactive environment will be an asset; 
• Proven experience in the field of transport of dangerous items (radioactive and chemical products) will be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Definition and installation of transport systems.
• Operation and maintenance of lifting and handling equipment;
• Definition of transport systems in collaboration with other services of the group; 
• Operation of lifting and handling equipment ;
• Operation of transport systems;
• Basic knowledge of remote-handling systems. 

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; delivering prompt and efficient service taking into account customer needs.
• Working in the Interest of the Organisation: following rules and regulations and encouraging others to do the same; behaving consistently with CERN's values and goals.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 23.09.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 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:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
• Use of certain mobile work equipment or equipment used for lifting loads (lifting equipment, bridge cranes, aerial work platforms, etc.) requiring a driving authorisation.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: EN-HE-HH-2025-178-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technician