CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you a self-driven mechanical engineer with experience in international, cross-functional teams and proven skills in FEA-based structural and thermal analysis, as well as 3D CAD? Are you interested in the development, procurement, assembly and testing of innovative mechanical structures, involving novel concepts, novel materials, and extremely challenging requirements? Join the CERN team designing and building one of the most innovative particle detectors ever conceived – the High Granularity Calorimeter of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment (CMS). This 250-tonne 50-layer particle detector will comprise a variety of materials, including silicon sensors, scintillating tiles, radiation-hard electronics and metallic structures (lead, steel, tungsten-copper alloy, copper) and will operate at -30 degrees C through a novel evaporative CO2 cooling system. Take part!

You will be assigned to the CERN Experimental Physics (EP) Department to work in the CMS Experiment Systems Group (CMX) Endcap Calorimetry (EC) section. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers and technicians and take a leading role in the engineering of the HGCAL.

The CMS Experiment is one of the four large experiments at the CERN LHC. The HGCAL is one of the largest upgrades of the CMS detector for the HL-LHC, a completely new endcap calorimeter with both electromagnetic and hadronic sections. 600m2 of silicon modules and 300 m2 of plastic scintillators are grouped into “cassettes” and used to provide precise measurements of energy, position, and timing. The CERN team has a deep implication in HGCAL, including responsibilities in the mechanics, technical coordination, and electronics. In particular, CERN is responsible for the HGCAL mechanical structures and integrated cooling systems.

Additional project-related information can be found here:

Video about the HGCAL project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRCXi-V1fbg&ab_channel=CMSExperiment

HGCAL TDR (Technical Design Report): https://cds.cern.ch/record/2293646?ln=en

Functions

As a member of the HGCAL team you will play a leading role in the final development of the mechanical pieces, the procurement in industry and partner institutes, and the large-scale assembly and testing of these structures at the CMS site in Cessy, France. You will help oversee the full HGCAL construction and its installation underground onto CMS, together with its services (electrical, optical, cooling etc.). You will work with a varied group of people from CERN and the CMS collaboration, as well as with industrial partners.

In this role you will:

• Participate in the finalisation of the design and integration of the detector, its services and cooling system.
• Perform structural and thermal calculations on the HGCAL structures to optimise the designs.
• Coordinate the fabrication of HGCAL structure prototypes and mock-ups, and the measurement of their mechanical and thermal performance in dedicated test systems to validate the designs and fabrication processes.
• Take part in the final procurement, assembly and testing of the HGCAL detector, up to its installation and commissioning in CMS; this will include the follow-up with industry for large procurements.
• Draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and make oral presentations.
• Supervise Users (in particular Technicians), CERN graduates and students.

Qualifications

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

Experience:

This role requires the following experience:

• Demonstrated experience in performing thermal and structural calculations of complex mechanical structures with Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Proven experience in developing mechanical assemblies with 3D CAD.
• Initial experience in planning and coordinating the fabrication and assembly of mechanical systems.

Technical competencies:

• Production of 2D drawings and 3D models: proficiency in Catia V5 or equivalent 3D modelling software, good knowledge of drawing annotations.
• Assembly of mechanical structures and equipment: knowledge of usual manufacturing methods (milling, turning, etc.), assembly methods (bolted, welding, etc.).
• Knowledge and application of mechanical measurement techniques, including quality control methods.
• Assembly and integration of detectors: capability to develop and validate manufacturing and installation methods.
• Knowledge and application of numerical modelling applied to mechanics; proficiency in ANSYS would be a strong asset.

Behavioural competencies:

• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Demonstrating flexibility: actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies; demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations; being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available; producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment 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. 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 25.06.2025 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.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-CMX-EC-2025-102-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

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