Mechanical Engineer

What you'll do

The ALICE Technical Coordination team is expanding to address the increased mechanical-engineering workload associated with the scheduled Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Long Shutdown periods in 2026-2028 (LS3) and 2033-2034 (LS4), including detector decommissioning and installation activities, the development of the entirely new ALICE 3 detector, and the preparation of future detector infrastructure.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will contribute to the execution of LS3 installation activities and the design and construction of the ALICE 3 detector system, working within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and designers.

Your responsibilities

Participate in the ALICE detector upgrade programme for LS3, specifically the installation of the new beam pipe, silicon tracker and forward calorimeter.
Provide mechanical engineering support and on-site supervision at the experiment site during the programmed maintenance periods.
Provide engineering support for the ALICE3 upgrade programme for LS4: definition of the experiment layout including integration of detectors, services, and all the related infrastructure.
Design detector standard metallic and carbon-composite structures, supported by structural analyses to assess performance under mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads using appropriate material models and failure criteria, ensuring strength, stability, and compliance with safety requirements.
Work closely with stakeholders, including detector experts, collaboration members, external companies and technical support teams from CERN and ALICE collaborating institutes.
Support the ALICE Technical Coordination team in supervising designers and technicians during the daily work.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience in the design, construction, and assembly of mechanical systems.
Proven experience in the use of CATIA for CAD design.
Knowledge of ANSYS for structural analysis.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team, including supervision of technical engineers and technicians.
Proven ability to coordinate work done by external companies and contractors.
Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Your skills

Design and analysis of mechanical structures.
Knowledge and application of numerical modelling in solid mechanics.
Knowledge and application of non-metallic composites.
Production of 2D drawings and 3D models.
Organisation, planning and control: , coordination of activities involving different technical fields (mechanical work, metallic structures, heavy handling etc.).
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Works well autonomously; takes on activities and tasks without prompting.
Readily accepts new tasks or work/projects.
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/10/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Employment conditions

Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
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)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics in close collaboration with and supporting the wider scientific community working at CERN. This includes designing and operating experiments, developing and constructing detectors, acquiring and analysing physics data.

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.