Fabrication Engineer for RF components

What you'll do

Are you passionate about cutting-edge fabrication? Do you thrive at the intersection of high-precision machining and advanced joining applied to Radio Frequency components? This is your opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team developing the Tristron – a high-efficiency RF power source critical for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

Your role involves participating in the R&D for manufacturing processes, working with the design office and engineering units to finalise the design and following up the manufacturing in collaboration with the methods office.

This position is within the Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) Group, which maintains and develops decades of expertise in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of advanced accelerator components.

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes the limits of technology to provide innovative research tools for the global physics community.

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Your responsibilities

Focus on the mechanical realisation and development of the critical Triode components, including the Anode, Cathode, and Grid.
Oversee the development of laser micro-machining and other advanced manufacturing technologies for the grid manufacturing, utilising specialised materials.
Define and follow up on feasibility studies for High-Precision Machining: achieving sub-10 micron tolerances, required surface roughness, and precise parts fit-up.
Define and follow up on feasibility studies for vacuum brasing cycles and/or electron beam welding (EBW) procedures for dissimilar materials, focusing on the metallurgical integrity of joints between oxygen-free copper, technical ceramics, and other high-performance alloys.
Based on feasibility studies, provide feedback to the RF designers and MME Design Office to optimise the design for manufacturing.
Define QA/QC plans (metrology, roughness, leak detection), ensure R&D traceability and documentation, and record joining procedures (BPS/WPS) with concerned services.
Participate in the definition of the complete fabrication sequence for the Tristron with the methods office.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience in mechanical components assembly; good knowledge and understanding of fabrication techniques (such as vacuum brasing and electron beam welding) and their application to the design process.
Experience in application of fabrication methods for high-precision mechanical components or radio frequency (RF) Structures.
Knowledge of metallic and non-metallic materials (OFHC copper, technical ceramics, and high-performance alloys).
Experience with 3D and 2D technical drawings; ability to read/interpret technical drawings and ISO GPS tolerancing (dimensional and geometrical product specification standards).
Your studies focused on Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials Engineering.

Your skills

Experience with CAD tools (preferably CATIA) would be an asset.
Initial experience with quality management processes; knowledge of quality control procedures and standards applicable to mechanical production, including metrology, NDT (leak detection), and the establishment of BPS/WPS.
Knowledge of mechanical fabrication for radio frequency (RF) structures would be a strong asset; familiarity with vacuum chambers and/or laser processing would be an additional advantage.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/07/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The EN department provides CERN with the engineering competences, infrastructure systems, and technical coordination required for the design, fabrication, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of the accelerator complex and experimental facilities. Its mission is to deliver and sustain robust infrastructure systems, advanced engineering solutions, and technical coordination.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.