Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

From advanced materials to innovative processes, we develop the technologies that enable CERN's scientific and engineering achievements.

Engineering materials for scientific discovery

We develop, analyse and optimise the materials, chemical processes and surface treatments that support CERN’s accelerators, detectors and technical infrastructure. Working at the intersection of chemistry, materials science and engineering, we ensure that components can withstand extreme environments while delivering the performance and reliability required for world-leading research.

From developing innovative materials and surface treatments to analysing failures and improving production processes, we work closely with scientists and engineers to transform complex challenges into practical solutions.

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Materials Engineering & Characterisation
We develop, test and qualify advanced materials to meet the demanding requirements of CERN's scientific facilities, ensuring performance, durability and reliability.
Chemical & Surface Processes
We design and optimise chemical and plasma treatments, surface engineering techniques and specialised thin-film coatings that enhance component performance in challenging operating environments.
Process Development & Laboratory Services
We develop simulation and testing methods, investigate material behaviour and improve production and treatment processes, supporting innovation across CERN's engineering activities.
Project example

Engineering Materials for Big Science: The HL-LHC and Beyond

Purpose
  • Develop advanced materials and processes for next-generation accelerator technologies.
  • Qualify materials capable of operating under extreme conditions.
  • Support the long-term performance and reliability of CERN's scientific infrastructure.
Impact
  • Enabled the development of key components for the High-Luminosity LHC
  • Improved the performance of superconducting magnets and specialised engineering systems
  • Contributed to the reliability and longevity of CERN's accelerators
Key achievements
  • Developed and qualified advanced metallic materials and specialised alloys
  • Optimised surface treatments and production processes
  • Performed material characterisation and failure analysis for critical components
Looking ahead
  • Continue developing innovative materials for future scientific challenges
  • Advance sustainable and high-performance engineering processes
  • Support the next generation of accelerator technologies

Open positions in Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

That's a fact!
Our LHC materials withstand magnetic fields stronger than the energy of an Airbus A320 in a pencil lead's diameter!

Explore the diverse fields of work at CERN

Discover how your role can transition across various departments

Administration

Administration

Behind great science, there's great administration. We provide the coordination, support and expertise that help CERN's people, projects and communities succeed every day.

Applied Physics

Applied Physics

Applied Physics at CERN plays a vital role in transforming theoretical concepts into tangible technologies that drive both scientific discovery and practical innovation. From developing cutting-edge particle detectors to contributing to global medical advancements, CERN's applied physicists are at the forefront of technology that changes the world.

Campus, Organisational and Corporate Services

Campus, Organisational and Corporate Services

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Creating an inspiring and welcoming environment for CERN's scientific community by managing and developing CERN's buildings and infrastructures.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

The communication & stakeholder engagement drive the Organization's strategy to build and maintain robust political, financial, and public support for CERN's scientific and societal missions.

Data Science, AI & Analytics

Data Science, AI & Analytics

Data powers discovery. We transform complex information into insights, intelligence and innovation that accelerate science and improve CERN's operations.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Powering the world's most advanced scientific facilities. We design, operate and innovate the electrical systems that make CERN's research possible.

Electronics Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Precision electronics are at the heart of every discovery. We design the intelligent systems that measure, control and capture the signals shaping modern physics.

Engineering

Engineering

Experimental Physics

Experimental Physics

CERN’s Experimental Physics challenges the limits of our understanding, transforming bold theories into high-energy collisions that reveal the universe’s deepest secrets. From designing experiments to analysing breakthrough data, our physicists push the boundaries of knowledge every day. Ready to turn theory into discovery?

Facilities & Infrastructure Management

Facilities & Infrastructure Management

A world-class research centre relies on more than science alone. We create and manage the facilities, infrastructure and everyday services that enable CERN's community to work, collaborate and thrive.

Finance, Control & Audit

Finance, Control & Audit

Every investment in science deserves trust. We ensure that CERN's resources are managed responsibly, transparently and sustainably, supporting discoveries that benefit the world.

Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Playing a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of our people and the sustainability of our operations.

Human Resources

Human Resources

People are at the heart of everything we do. We help foster an inclusive environment so talented individuals from around the world can contribute to CERN's scientific mission and perform at their best.

Information Technologies

Information Technologies

Software is crucial to CERN's mission of producing particle beams for physics experiments, coordinating thousands of devices through a sophisticated accelerator control system. Our engineers and technicians develop software across all layers, from embedded real-time systems to micro-service-based backend servers and user interfaces. We leverage mainstream, open-source technologies such as Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Java, Python, and Kafka, ensuring our knowledge is broadly applicable beyond CERN.

Logistics & Transport

Logistics & Transport

Moving science forward takes more than ideas. We coordinate the flow of people, materials and equipment that keeps CERN's research and operations running smoothly.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering at CERN is crucial to advancing technology and enabling cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Our engineers design, build, and maintain sophisticated machinery, complex accelerator systems and experimental facilities that power some of the world’s most complex and impactful experiments.

Physics

Physics

Procurement

Procurement

Every breakthrough starts with the right partners. We connect CERN's scientific ambitions with industry, securing the goods, services and expertise that make discovery possible.

Site Security

Site Security

Security is essential to scientific excellence. We help create a safe, secure and resilient environment where people, research and international collaboration can thrive.

Technology Transfer & Innovation

Technology Transfer & Innovation

Innovation doesn't stop at the laboratory. We transform CERN's technologies and expertise into real-world solutions that create impact far beyond particle physics.

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics at CERN explores the fundamental principles of particles and forces, providing the framework for understanding the universe at its most fundamental level. It transforms abstract concepts into testable predictions, ensuring that CERN remains at the cutting edge of discovery.

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