Vacuum Systems Technical Engineer (TE-VSC-BVO-2024-201-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization 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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you ready to work on one of the most advanced vacuum systems on the planet?

With 130 km of cutting-edge vacuum vessels, CERN operates one of the largest and most complex vacuum systems ever built. If you're driven by the challenge of pushing the boundaries of science and technology, this is your chance to make a mark. Join the Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings Group and be part of something extraordinary!

The Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings (VSC) Group is at the forefront of CERN’s pioneering technological research, overseeing all high and ultra-high vacuum systems across the CERN accelerators. From design to operation, surface engineering to acceptance tests, we handle it all. The Beam Vacuum Operation section (BVO) ensures the flawless operation and continuous upgrade of the vacuum equipment critical to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the most powerful particle accelerator ever built. This includes the systems that enable hadron beams to circulate through superconducting magnets and detectors.

Functions

Within the VSC Group of the Technology Department, you will:

• Operate, maintain and consolidate complex and highly specialised ultra-high vacuum equipment, instruments and prototypes for particle accelerators;
• Carrying out the technical design phase including writing technical specifications, preparing drawings, and supervising and reviewing the detailed design studies;
• Participate in projects aimed to upgrade and consolidate existing vacuum systems as well as in other projects involving collaboration with various teams in charge of other accelerator systems and engineering fields;
• Organize production of prototypes and carry out laboratory functional tests to assess the compliance of prototypes with both vacuum and structural acceptance criteria;
• Perform follow-up of the production life cycle for the new equipment involving regular front-line communication with both internal and external collaborators and companies;
• Coordinate the on-site acceptance tests of the LHC experimental vacuum chambers;
• Organize, participate and lead interventions in the accelerator complex and LHC experiments for regular maintenance as well as major upgrade and consolidation activities;
• Perform regular follow-up of LHC beam vacuum operation, including reporting and analysis of non-standard behaviours, and implement required preventive or corrective actions.

Qualifications

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

Experience:

Proven experience in  

• Design of ultra-high vacuum apparatus;
• Carrying out technical design of vacuum systems and in leading prototyping studies needed to finalise the design;
• Techniques and equipment for leak detection and residual gas analysis (RGA) in ultra-high vacuum;
• Hands-on installation, commissioning and operation of ultra-high vacuum systems;
• Preparing technical procedures for ultra-high vacuum systems.  

Knowledge of surface treatments and thin-film coatings for ultra-high vacuum applications. 

Technical competencies:

• Pressure measurement and residual gas analysis in UHV systems;
• Knowledge and application of materials, surface and thermal treatments for UHV;
• Design and analysis of high-vacuum systems;
• Installation and commissioning of vacuum systems;
• Knowledge and application of leak detection techniques and equipment.

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;
• Communicating Effectively: providing others with timely information Ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented;
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind;
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in professional contexts and the willingnes to learn French. 

Additional Information

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 02.02.2025 00.00 Geneva time. 

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:

• 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 Organization;
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization;
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: TE-VSC-BVO-2024-201-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technical Engineer

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