Materials Engineer (HSE-OHS-IB-2024-134-LD)

Introduction

Are you a qualified and proactive Materials or Chemical Engineer, willing to contribute to a unique work environment at the heart of one of the world's most complex and exciting scientific experiments? Then this opportunity is for you. Join the largest particle physics research laboratory in the world! CERN, take part!

As a Materials Engineer, you will join the HSE unit, which supports CERN in the implementation and enforcement of its safety policy. The OHS Group, in charge of providing advice, monitoring and following-up on the implementation and accomplishment of safety objectives, aims at a continuous improvement of a safe working environment. Within the OHS group, you will join the Infrastructure & Building Safety Engineering (IB) Section where the electrical/signal Cable Aging Research activity is integrated. You will assume the role of CERN cable testing engineer within the CARE activity.

Functions

As a Materials Engineer for the CARE (Cable Ageing Research) activity you will:

• Define mechanical, chemical and electrical test procedures to characterize and qualify cables in terms of aging and ionizing radiation hardness.
• Perform tests to qualify cables proposed by cable manufacturers in terms of aging and radiation hardness.
• Report on tests and provide expert assessment based on tests results.
• Provide expert guidance and inputs during the preparation of technical specifications for CERN cable procurement activities.
• Implement quality control measures and conduct rigorous testing to ensure CERN cables meet requirements from CERN technical specifications and international applicable standards.
• Participate to commissioning tests and issue the corresponding acceptance reports on the Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT and SAT).
• Contribute to preparing artificial irradiation campaigns related to cable samples in CERN facilities or in external facilities. 
• Perform applied research activities on cable raw materials and polymers used in cable production.
• Conduct standardized fire tests on cables to validate compliance with CERN requirements.

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

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in materials characterization.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical and chemical testing techniques.

The following experience would be an asset:

• Experience in the polymers field.
• Working experience in cable design and/or cable manufacturing.
• Experience in materials research activities.
• Technical publications in materials engineering.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of polymers: including polymerization mechanisms, structure-property relationships, and polymer synthesis techniques
• Knowledge and application of mechanical testing (destructive): for example, mechanical testing (tensile).
• Knowledge and application of chemical, electro-chemical and radio-chemical analysis: for example, spectroscopy (FTIR), chemical analysis (DSC, TGA, Swelling), microscopy (SEM).
• Safety conformity assessment: particularly for cables used in hazardous or sensitive environments (e.g., fire-resistant cables, halogen-free cables) would be an asset.
• Knowledge of international standards and codes (e.g. IEC, IEEE, UL) relevant to cable design, manufacturing, and testing to ensure compliance and safety.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals and balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: readily accepting new tasks or work/projects and adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Communicating Effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way, adjusting style and content to the audience, and responding calmly and confidently to questions.
• Solving Problems: producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements as well as identifying, defining and assessing problems, and taking action to address them.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English. Ability to understand and speak French in professional contexts would be an advantage or the willingness to acquire it.

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 16.10.2024 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.

This position involves:

• 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.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: HSE-OHS-IB-2024-134-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist