ATLAS Detector Cooling Engineer

What you'll do

As part of the ATLAS Detector Cooling team, you will contribute to the qualification, integration, and commissioning of the 2PACL CO₂ cooling system supporting future detector upgrades. You will be involved in thermal testing, instrumentation and DAQ development, data analysis, and the installation and commissioning of cooling infrastructure, gaining unique experience in the deployment of complex systems for a world-leading scientific experiment.

Your responsibilities

Contribute to the testing and validation of detector structures and 2PACL CO₂ cooling system components, including comparison of experimental results with simulation models.
Participate in the design, construction, and operation of thermal test setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Analyse and interpret test data to assess system performance and support detector integration activities.
Collaborate with detector teams by providing technical feedback and supporting detector integration and commissioning work.
Contribute to the installation, commissioning, and performance validation of the 2PACL cooling system, including cooling distribution lines and vacuum infrastructure.

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Your profile

Initial experience in thermal-fluid systems, cooling technologies, or heat transfer gained through academic, research, or engineering projects.
Experience with simulation or modelling of thermal and fluid systems.
Experience using CAD software for 2D and/or 3D mechanical design (e.g. CATIA V5 or similar tools).
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, laboratory testing, or data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Experience analysing and interpreting experimental or simulation data.
Your studies focused on Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Refrigeration (or a related field).

Your skills

Good understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles, ideally including exposure to two-phase cooling systems.
Knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermal-fluid system behaviour.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
Familiarity with instrumentation, sensor integration, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Understanding of SCADA systems and industrial control environments.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays (for the Mechanical Engineering position).
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays (for the Mechanical Engineering position).
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend of either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month 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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
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 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.