Welding Engineer: Project Support

What you'll do

You will join the Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) Group, which advances technology to provide innovative research tools for the global physics and engineering community. As an International Welding Engineer (IWE) in the Forming & Welding Section (MME-FW), you will provide advanced expertise in welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) to support complex interventions in the underground areas of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its experiments. Your work will contribute to the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and Experiments Upgrade programme, with activities scheduled during the Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) from 2026 to 2029 — a key phase to enhance the collider’s performance and capabilities.

Your responsibilities

Prepare welding activities for the LS3 underground interventions, including automated welding operations. This includes reviewing and updating existing welding procedures, drafting new procedures, and carrying out welding qualifications with notified bodies.
Support non-destructive testing (NDT) activities by reviewing and improving existing procedures and drafting new ones as required.
Contribute to the training and qualification of welders who will be involved in LS3 underground operations.
Monitor and follow up on welding activities underground during LS3 to ensure compliance with specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.
Follow the fabrication of complex components in CERN's main workshop, participate in the quality control of the welds, and ensure full traceability of welding activities, including proper documentation and management of welding books.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

In-depth knowledge of welding standards and welding codes.
Good Knowledge of destructive and non-destructive testing for weld inspection and qualifications and proven experience working with Radiography Testing, Visual Testing and Metallographic Weld Inspection.
Good knowledge of material sciences, materials selection and characterization applied to welding.
Familiarity with quality management: application of quality control standards in mechanical production (welding, NDT, metrology, mechanical measurements) and experience drafting and implementing quality assurance documentation.
Familiarity with mechanical fabrication in the following domains is an asset: pressure vessels, vacuum chambers, cryogenics.
Initial experience in mechanical components assembly, good understanding of fabrication techniques and their application to the design process.
Your studies focused on Mechanical or Materials Engineering

Your skills

An International Welding Engineer (IWE) diploma is required
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language

Ideal start date: 01/02/2026

Contract duration: 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

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 stipend between 6287-6911 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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.
By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
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)
Any document you consider relevant to your application
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)

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.