Technician for Refrigeration Systems

What you'll do

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the cooling and ventilation (CV) group of the EN department, you will join the LHC Section, which is in charge of the operation and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation systems of CERN’s accelerator complex and experimental areas. The activity includes the work site supervision for installation work and commissioning of new systems, upgrade of existing systems and consolidation of old systems.

Are you a qualified technician, specialised in industrial cooling, ventilation & refrigeration systems? Contribute your skill and experience to the operation and maintenance of complex cooling plants in a unique environment hosting some of the world’s most complex technical installations. Join CERN’s Cooling and Ventilation operation team. Take part!

Your responsibilities

Plan (by using the CMMS system), coordinate, supervise, check and perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities on cooling and ventilation systems.
Perform operation activities to ensure appropriate running of the cooling, ventilation & refrigeration systems.
Interact regularly with clients for all matters related to equipment under your responsibility.
Propose and define the most appropriate solution to meet user needs in case of modification or renovation works.
Technically coordinate contractors’ maintenance and installation work in compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards.
Contribute to projects from the design phase until test and commissioning of new cooling and ventilation systems.
Ensure that the technical documentation is kept up-to-date and compliant with the quality standards.
Ensure the respect of safety rules for all interventions.
Participate to the stand-by service.
Follow up and regularly report on activities progress issues, schedule and costs.

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Your profile

Demonstrated experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on ventilation systems.
Strong experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on cooling and refrigeration industrial systems.
Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors.
Experience in the use of CMMS tools.
Experience in low-voltage electrical systems.
Initial experience in compressed air systems.
Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Refrigeration or a related field.

Your skills

Operation and maintenance of HVAC plants and networks.
Operation and maintenance of cooling water systems: and networks.
Design, construction, operation and maintenance of detector cooling systems.
Operation and maintenance of electrical circuits and networks.
Organisation, planning and control: including supervision of work.
Takes appropriate corrective actions and adapts work / project plans if necessary.
Gives praise and provides honest and constructive feedback.
Is willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
Finds the information needed to solve problems; makes objective judgments based on all the facts available.
Cooperates constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balances personal goals with team goals.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 3

Benchmark job: 300090 - Mechanical Technician

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

Shift work.
Exposure to ionizing radiation and classified as category A.
Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
Exposure to asbestos.
Exposure to lead.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 5929 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), 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.
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 essential engineering expertise and infrastructure systems for the design, operation, and maintenance of CERN's accelerator complex and experimental facilities.

It covers everything from mechanical engineering to infrastructure management, ensuring the smooth running of technical systems.

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.