Mechanical Technician (detector construction) ; (TTE Programme)

CERN

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

 

Job Description

In a continuous effort to push the energy frontier, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will undergo a major upgrade, which will extend its service life and boost its performance. For that, more efficient detector systems will be needed...and we need you to take part in making it happen!

In this framework, the Experimental Physics department, and more specifically the Detector Technologies (DT) group collaborates in the development and design of the future ATLAS ITk Pixel and CMS Tracker. To meet the stringent mass and thermal performance requirements, these detectors will make extensive use of both advanced materials and lightweight technologies. Furthermore, the adoption of novel layout configurations and extreme environmental conditions will give raise to a series of new engineering challenges, the answer to which will call for innovative approaches in the design and manufacture of the support structures, in the cooling methods and in the overall integration.

Functions

As a Mechanical Technician your main responsibilities will be to:

  • Machining of components by conventional and computer numerical controlled machines (CNC);
  • Developing tooling and participate in the construction of mechanical assemblies and test setups;
  • Assembling of prototypes for the thermal and mechanical qualification, of high-precision support structures and of final detector components;
  • Supporting the Composite material lab activities and laboratory testing;
  • Performing metrology and quality control of parts and completed assemblies;
  • Procuring components, material and tooling.

 

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (https://home.cern/about/member-states);
  • You have a Technical Diploma or equivalent (careers.cern/ttediplomas), and no more than 4 years' relevant experience after finishing your diploma;
  • If you are currently studying, you are still eligible to apply, although you are expected to have obtained your qualification by the start of your appointment at CERN;
  • If you hold a BSc or MSc, you are not eligible. However you may be eligible for the Fellowship Programme.
  • You should have at least a working knowledge of English or French.

Specific skills required for this job:

  • Comprehensive use of conventional milling machines with some basic knowledge of numerical controlled machines (CNC);
  • Precision assembly of mechanical components and structures;
  • Knowledge of CAD software;
  • Good communication.

The following skills would be considered an advantage, but are not essential:

  • Previous experience working in a laboratory environment using metrology, electro-mechanical, thermal or pressure testing equipment;
  • Basic knowledge of joining techniques (e.g. adhesive bonding).

 

Additional Information

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.  In return, CERN will provide you with:

  • An employment contract of one year, renewable for a second year; 
  • On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
  • A monthly stipend of 4599 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax);
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund;
  • Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva;
  • 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

Training value

As a member of the EP-DT Engineering Office, you will have access to state-of-the-art CAD, engineering tools and manufacturing facilities (e.g. mechanical workshops, rapid prototyping and composites lab), while benefiting from close supervision of experienced CERN staff. In addition, you will be in daily contact with the group's technical staff and will have frequent interactions with collaborating institutes and industrial partners. 

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:

  • A CV;
  • Your latest relevant qualification (or a screenshot of the latest academic transcript obtained if the diploma is not yet obtained);
  • At least one reference letter (from a professor or previous employer) giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. This should be as broad as possible.
    • You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

Applications should reach us no later than 31.05.2022.

Apply