Mechanical Engineer or Applied Physicist for Ultra-High Vacuum Technology (TE-VSC-BVO-2024-146-LD)

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 TE Department, you will:

• Operate, maintain and consolidate complex and highly specialised ultra-high vacuum equipment, instruments and prototypes for particle accelerators.
• Model and design vacuum systems and predict their behaviour under different operating conditions. Built and test prototypes to validate designs and make necessary adjustments. Choose the appropriate materials and manufacturing process to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Analyse the performance of vacuum systems under operation conditions and diagnose failures to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Test materials for compatibility with vacuum environments, particularly for outgassing rates and thermal properties.
• Lead and participate in activities aimed to install new or consolidated vacuum equipment in accelerators.
• Play an active role in multidisciplinary projects, requiring close collaboration with teams in charge of other accelerator systems and engineering fields.

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

Experience:

Proven experience in conceptual design of ultra-high vacuum apparatus,

Proven experience in simulation of pressure transients and pressure profiles in complex vacuum systems,

Proven experience in carrying out technical design of vacuum systems and in leading prototyping studies needed to finalise the design,

Proven experience in techniques and equipment for leak detection and residual gas analysis (RGA) in ultra-high vacuum,

Demonstrated experience in hands-on installation, commissioning and operation of ultra-high vacuum systems,

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in preparing scientific documentation and technical procedures for ultra-high vacuum systems,

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

Technical competencies:

• Installation and commissioning of vacuum systems
• Knowledge and application of materials, surface and thermal treatments for UHV
• Knowledge and application of leak detection techniques and equipment
• Design and simulation of UHV 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,
• 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 the,
  • Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.

Ability to understand and speak, or willingness to learn and improve 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 06.11.2024 at 23:45 CET

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:

• 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.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-VSC-BVO-2024-146-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer