CERN Opportunities

Full job description

The EP-ATL-PO section plays a key role in the upgrade and maintenance of the ATLAS detector at the LHC. As a Junior Mechanical Technician, you will support experienced colleagues in mechanical installation and integration activities on the detector and its infrastructure during Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), while gaining hands-on experience in a cutting-edge experimental physics environment.

Your responsibilities:

• Participate in large-scale ATLAS detector movements in the experimental cavern and in the installation of access platforms.
• Support sub-detector installation activities, including handling, transport, and positioning using appropriate lifting and alignment techniques.
• Prepare and set up work areas and tooling, and provide logistical support for detector interventions.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, perform basic dimensional checks, and report progress to supervising engineers.
• When required, manufacture parts and tooling using conventional machining techniques, such as drilling, milling, and turning.

Your profile:

• Initial hands-on experience in mechanical assembly, fitting, or maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D CAD models.
• Initial experience with conventional machining techniques and workshop practices.
• Basic metrology skills, including the use of calipers, gauges, and dimensional inspection tools.
• Awareness of occupational health and safety principles in workshop and industrial environments.

Skills:

• Follow technical procedures, assembly instructions, and work specifications.
• Use of standard hand and power tools for mechanical operations.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
• Rigorous, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious approach to work.
• Accurately document completed work and maintain high quality standards while following technical procedures and safety requirements.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional information

Job closing date: 14.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-November-2026

This position involves:

• 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.
• Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.

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

Job reference: EP-ATL-PO-2026-178-GRAE

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 300090 - Mechanical Technician

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
• 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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