Transport and Handling Specialist

What you'll do

The Engineering Department (EN) provides CERN with the Engineering expertise, Infrastructure Systems and Technical Coordination necessary for the design, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling phases of the CERN accelerator complex and its experimental facilities.

The position is within the Transport and Handling Engineering Group (EN-THE), responsible for preparing, organizing and coordinating all transport and handling operations for the CERN accelerators and experiments. The Group also manages the transport of thousands of conventional and unconventional items, chemical and radioactive products each year.

As a Transport and Handling Specialist in EN-THE, you will be part of the Heavy Handling (EN-HE-HH) Section, which is in charge for organising and supervising transport, handling and lifting operations at CERNs accelerators complex, experimental areas and industrial buildings both underground and in surface premises.

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Your responsibilities

Coordinating transport and handling operations for the Accelerator complex, Experiments, and surface premises.
Coordinating and planning meetings to evaluate technical and resource needs.
Assessing and proposing possible handling and transport solutions.
Defining technical and safety requirements for the transport of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with ADR principles and applicable regulations.
Specific operations by using customized equipment, analysing related working procedures and Safety assessments.
Developing technical specifications, work procedures and contract documentation for transport and handling activities.
Supervising contractor activities on site, ensuring Safety during the operations in both conventional and radioactive environments.
Collaborating with the EN-THE design office to develop custom handling tools and conduct logistic studies.
Collaborating with Radiation Protection Services to establish/redact the Work Dose Planning and Radiological work permit (DIMR).
Performing handling operations in specific situations.

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Your profile

Extensive experience in heavy handling and transport operations.
Proven experience in worksite logistics.
Proven experience in technical contract supervision.
Proven experience of work in a radioactive environment will be an asset.
Basic knowledge of remote-handling systems.
A thorough understanding of the principles of ADR regulations in order to identify, interpret and communicate the requirements applicable to the transport of dangerous goods would be an asset.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Logistics, Mechanics or Electromechanics or a related field.
ADR certificate would be an additional asset. Driving and operator licences for electrical overhead travelling cranes, industrial trucks, mobile elevating platforms, etc would be an additional asset.

Your skills

Operation and maintenance of lifting and handling equipment.
Operation and maintenance of transport systems.
Definition and installation of transport systems.
Transport of dangerous goods.
Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Anticipates obstacles; assesses alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
Works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
Follows rules and regulations and encourages others to do the same.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 4

Benchmark job: 301190 - Mechanical Technical Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Interventions in underground installations.
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
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 7006 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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, 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 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.