Senior Geotechnical Engineer

What you'll do

You will join CERN’s dynamic team working on the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC), a 91km circumference machine planned to be housed in an underground complex up to 500 metres below ground in the Geneva Basin. As an experienced geotechnical engineer with significant understanding of underground structures, you will be responsible for all geotechnical aspects of the design and potential construction of the extensive and complex civil engineering needed for a future CERN accelerator, the FCC.

Your responsibilities

Undertake numerical studies to support the preliminary designs and optioneering studies for the FCC underground structures undertaken in-house at CERN.
Oversee and critically assess the geotechnical work carried out by external consultants, contractors and specialist advisors.
Prepare the geotechnical technical specifications including a geotechnical baseline report (GBR) required to support potential consultancy contracts related to the design and construction oversight of significant underground and surface structures envisaged for the FCC. These include over 100 kilometers of tunnels, eight large space caverns, 12 shafts at depths up to 400m and numerous other underground structures.
Undertake the contract management of the consultancy and site investigation contracts to be put in place by CERN in order to obtain geotechnical data needed to inform subsequent design work.
Manage the ongoing contract for external specialist support that CERN has with the ground engineering department of the University of Geneva.
Work in close collaboration with the other members of the civil engineering team and provide them with expert support in the field of geotechnical engineering.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Extensive experience within relevant fields of underground civil/geotechnical engineering;
Proven experience in writing technical documentation for site investigations and design of underground structures;
Proven experience in managing contracts for design and/ site investigation services for large civil engineering projects;
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.

Your skills

Design of underground structures;
Knowledge of underground structure construction;
Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract;
Delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations;
Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes;
Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements, and building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships;
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200010 - Civil Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9113 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 SCE department manages and develops CERN's real estate and infrastructure, ensuring a safe, modern, and inspiring environment aligned with CERN's scientific strategy.

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.