Mechanical Hydraulic Technician for the CMS Experiment (EP-CMX-SCI-2025-115-LD)

Company Description

At CERN , the European Organisation 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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an experienced Mechanical Technician with experience in heavy mechanics and logistics, operation and maintenance of complex assemblies, installation of mechanical structures?  Are you interested in implementing innovative systems, involving novel concepts, materials and extremely challenging requirements?

You will join the CERN Experimental Physics Department (EP) to work in the CMS Experiment Systems Group (CMX) Safety, Coordination and Integration (SCI) section.

CMS is one of the four large experiments of the LHC at CERN. The CMS detector weighs around 14000 tonnes and is divided into large moveable segments, weighing up to 2000 tonnes, that facilitate maintenance and upgrade of the equipment. Within the EP-CMX-SCI section, you will be part of the CMS Technical Coordination team, including technicians, engineers and physicists who are in charge of all technical aspects related to the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of the CMS detector. This includes detector configuration changes and installation of new detectors on the Cessy site (France), and the construction and installation of the detector infrastructure components, both on the surface and 100m underground.

Functions

As a Mechanical Technician you will:

• Participate actively in the assembly/disassembly of the detector, including the precise opening and closing of the large CMS components using screw jacks, hydraulic jacks, strand-jack system and high-pressure air-pads, and pneumatic locking systems
• Maintain the dedicated heavy lifting and hydraulic tools
• Design, develop, improve, install and commission new tools
• Take active part in mechanical site work such as assembly / disassembly work on the detector or its infrastructure
•  Supervise and organise the various on-site activities of the collaboration technicians and/or external suppliers
• Support the operation and maintenance of the mechanical workshop at the CMS site, acting as deputy to the workshop supervisor
• Interpret 2D/3D designs, construct tooling and manufacture mechanical pieces accordingly

Qualifications

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Hydraulics, Mechanics, Electro-Mechanics or a related field.

Trainings/certificates considered a plus: High pressure training and certificate, Welding certificate, Scaffolding certificate, CAD training

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in the following areas is required:

• operating and maintaining heavy lifting hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic systems;
• performing mechanical site work.

Initial experience in the following is required:

• running a mechanical workshop (use of tools and machines, maintenance of equipment, safety, validation of procedures, work scheduling);
• supervision of technical teams.
   

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of lifting and handling equipment;
• Definition and installation of transport systems;
• Assembly of mechanical structures and equipment;
• Manufacturing of mechanical parts;
• Operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment and systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Demonstrating flexibility: Demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supports initiatives for change
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States .

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 20.11.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work and stand-by duty, work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• 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 grade: 3-4

Job reference: EP-CMX-SCI-2025-115-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technician