Mechanical Technician for CMS

What you'll do

We are recruiting two early-career graduates for Mechanical Technician positions within the CMS experiment. Both positions involve hands-on mechanical work and close collaboration with technicians, engineers, and physicists, but each will have a different main area of responsibility:

– One position will join the Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL) team, supporting the refurbishment of the barrel electromagnetic calorimeter and covering a large panel of activities and responsibilities, from mechanical work and the handling and assembly of detector parts to logistic activities.

– The second position will join the CMS Technical Coordination crew, supporting mechanical activities for the CMS detector and its infrastructure, including maintenance, upgrades, tooling, and heavy-lifting operations.

Your responsibilities

Within the ECAL team, you will participate in the extraction and insertion of the ECAL supermodules, including the preparation, installation, and removal of the required tooling.
Within the ECAL team, you will carry out mechanical operations during the refurbishment of the supermodules, including the replacement of cooling fittings.
Within the ECAL team, you will support the installation of ECAL services and electronics and assist with related logistics.
Within the CMS Technical Coordination team, you will participate in mechanical work for the upgrade, maintenance, and repair of the CMS detector and its associated infrastructure.
Within the CMS Technical Coordination team, you will manufacture mechanical parts and contribute to on-site assembly, installation, alignment, and repair activities.
Within the CMS Technical Coordination team, you will support the development of tooling and the preparation or modification of technical drawings using drafting software such as CATIA.
Within the CMS Technical Coordination team, you will participate in heavy-lifting and movement operations using equipment such as strand jacks, air pads, and hydraulic jacks, and support regular checks and maintenance of this equipment.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Initial hands-on experience in the construction and assembly of mechanical components and structures.
Experience in mechanical equipment or detector assembly, including cooling connections, pressure testing, or leak detection.
Experience using machine tools and hand tools for mechanical manufacturing activities.
Experience with mechanical systems and the handling of large, heavy, or fragile equipment.
Experience with drafting software, such as CATIA.
Your studies focused on Mechanics or related.

Your skills

Knowledge of manufacturing techniques for mechanical parts.
Experience in the assembly and integration of mechanical structures, equipment, and systems.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of cooling-water systems.
Experience in the safe operation of mechanical handling systems and the application of safety procedures related to heavy machinery and mechanical operations.
Problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Clear communication skills and the ability to follow technical instructions accurately.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language

Ideal start date: 01/12/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

For the ECAL position: Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
For the ECAL position: Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain conditions.

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

Employment conditions

Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month.
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 a technical or administrative field and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma or a shorter non-university degree. You can’t hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or 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.