Mechanical Engineer (ATLAS ITk Pixel)

What you'll do

The CERN ATLAS Team plays a major role in the construction of the future silicon ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk). In particular, the CERN team focuses on the development of the Pixel Outer Barrel, including the design, prototyping and assembly of the support structures as well as the final detector integration and testing.

As a mechanical engineer in the CERN ATLAS Team, you will contribute to these activities, playing an active role in the assembly and quality control of the detector components. As part of your role, you will be responsible for the implementation and conduction of suitable quality assurance procedures and test benches to verify the performance of the final assemblies. In addition, you will take part in the engineering of the precision tooling required for the assembly and installation of detector components.

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Your responsibilities

Participating in the conception, detailed design, production, testing, and installation of detector components, assembly tooling, and test infrastructure for the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel.
Developing, documenting, and implementing procedures for the assembly, testing, installation, and repair of detector components and sub-assemblies.
Managing the procurement of materials, detector components, and tooling, including follow-up on acceptance and installation.
Contributing hands-on to the production and quality control of detector components, including OB local supports, global structures, cooling pipe extensions, and detector sub-assemblies (e.g. inclined units).

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Your profile

Familiarity with the design of precision mechanical components and systems.
Initial experience in the use of CAD software for 3D modelling (ideally CATIA V5), and in producing 2D technical drawings in accordance with relevant ISO standards for dimensioning and tolerancing.
Hands-on experience in the assembly and thermal and/or mechanical testing of prototypes.
Knowledge of LabVIEW and hands-on experience in the operation of temperature forcing systems and/or CO2 cooling plants would be considered an asset.
Experience with two-phase cooling systems would be considered an advantage.
Your studies focused on Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.

Your skills

A "can-do" attitude and a willingness to take part directly in the assembly and testing of unique detector components.
A rigorous and organised approach to work, delivering high-quality results from the outset.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Flexible approach to work, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.
Good understanding of tracking detector mechanics would be considered an asset.
Practical knowledge of adhesive bonding and composite materials would be advantageous.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/08/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
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 monthly net stipend between 5266-5793 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.

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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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