Collimator Systems Engineer (SY-STI-TCD-2025-70-GRAP)

CERN
Full_timeβ€’CHF 6,287-6,911/month (CHF)β€’Geneva, Switzerland

πŸ“ Job Overview

  • Job Title: Collimator Systems Engineer (SY-STI-TCD-2025-70-GRAP)
  • Company: CERN
  • Location: Geneva, GenΓ¨ve, Switzerland
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Category: Mechanical Engineer (Web Infrastructure)
  • Date Posted: 2025-06-12
  • Experience Level: 2-5 years
  • Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Oversee the production of collimators and masks for the High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC) within WP5 of the Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section.
  • Collaborate with industry partners, manage quality assessments, and ensure project timelines and quality standards are met.
  • Coordinate installation procedures, document technical information, and participate in test campaigns and machine installations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a crucial phase of the HL-LHC Project, requiring a blend of technical proficiency, project management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

πŸ’» Primary Responsibilities

  • Project Management & Quality Assurance: Oversee collimators reception tests, quality checks, and assembly activities, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
  • Industry Collaboration: Follow up on collimator production activities in industry, including production problem-solving and duty trips to Member State countries.
  • Surface Activities Management: Supervise and manage surface activities related to collimators at CERN, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with safety protocols.
  • Documentation & Technical Information Management: Document installation procedures of collimators in the machine and manage technical documentation associated with the production and operation of the collimators.
  • Contract Management & Logistics: If required, coordinate contracts with industry partners, oversee shipment logistics, maintain inventory records, and conduct quality assessments of received components.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outlined above may vary slightly depending on the priorities of the project and how the schedule progresses.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.

Required Skills:

  • Experience with precise mechanical engineering assemblies.
  • Knowledge of assemblies in ultra-high vacuum environment (desired).
  • Project management skills.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts (structural, thermal).
  • Ability to work in diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary environments.
  • Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in assemblies in ultra-high vacuum environment.
  • Familiarity with the High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC) or similar large-scale scientific projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: As this role involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, candidates should possess relevant safety certifications and be comfortable working in such environments.

πŸ“Š Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience in mechanical engineering assemblies, with a focus on precision and quality.
  • Showcase project management skills through successful completion of projects, including timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication.
  • Highlight problem-solving abilities through case studies or examples of overcoming technical challenges.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide examples of technical documentation, such as assembly procedures, test results, or quality assurance reports.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with technical documentation standards and best practices.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 6287 - 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax)

Benefits:

  • Health scheme (for yourself, your spouse, and children)
  • Pension Fund
  • 30 days of paid leave per year
  • Training opportunities and in-house language courses for English and/or French
  • Installation grant, family, child, and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract (depending on individual circumstances)

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • Industry: Scientific research and engineering, focusing on particle physics and high-energy physics.
  • Company Size: Large, with over 2,700 employees from over 600 institutions in over 110 countries.
  • Founded: 1954, with a rich history in groundbreaking scientific research and international collaboration.

Team Structure:

  • The Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section is part of the Sources, Targets, and Interactions (STI) Group within the Accelerator Systems (SY) Department.
  • The team works closely with industry partners, other CERN departments, and international collaborators.

Development Methodology:

  • CERN follows a structured project management approach, with clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
  • The organization emphasizes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning.

Company Website: http://home.cern/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: CERN offers a unique work environment, fostering international collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of scientific discovery. The organization values diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge-sharing in a multicultural environment.

Office Location(s): CERN, Geneva, Switzerland

Workspace Context:

  • The work environment is highly collaborative, with team members working together on complex projects.
  • CERN provides state-of-the-art facilities, including workshops, laboratories, and offices designed to support scientific research and engineering.
  • The organization encourages a flexible work-life balance, with opportunities for professional development and training.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours and the possibility of overtime during peak project phases.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: As CERN is an international organization, the work environment is diverse and multicultural, with employees from over 110 countries. This enriching environment fosters collaboration and innovation in scientific research and engineering.

πŸ“„ Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Online Application Review: CERN will review your application, focusing on your educational background, professional experience, and relevant skills.
  2. Phone or Video Screening: A brief phone or video call to discuss your application and assess your communication skills and cultural fit.
  3. Technical Interview: A panel interview focusing on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of mechanical engineering concepts. You may be asked to discuss specific projects or case studies.
  4. Final Decision: CERN will make a final decision based on your interview performance, references, and overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight your experience in mechanical engineering assemblies, project management, and problem-solving.
  • Include examples of your technical documentation and quality assurance efforts.
  • Emphasize your ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments and your commitment to learning the other language (English or French).

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, focusing on structural and thermal concepts.
  • Familiarize yourself with the High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC) and the work of the Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section.
  • Prepare for questions about your project management experience, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work in a collaborative environment.

ATS Keywords: Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Assembly, Testing Procedures, Documentation, Team Supervision, Radiation Areas, Underground Installations, High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC), Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section, Accelerator Systems (SY) Department, CERN

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: To optimize your application, tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight the required skills and experiences for this role. Focus on your mechanical engineering expertise, project management abilities, and problem-solving skills. Emphasize your ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments and your commitment to learning the other language (English or French).

πŸ›  Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Mechanical Engineering Tools & Software:

  • 3D modeling and CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar)
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar)
  • Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, or similar)

Web Infrastructure & Server Technologies:

  • Familiarity with web infrastructure concepts is not required for this role, as it focuses on mechanical engineering and project management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While this role does not require expertise in web infrastructure or server technologies, a basic understanding of these concepts can be beneficial for working effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

CERN Values:

  • Excellence: CERN strives for excellence in scientific research and engineering, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Innovation: The organization encourages creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological development.
  • Collaboration: CERN values international collaboration and teamwork, bringing together experts from over 110 countries to work towards common goals.
  • Openness: The organization promotes open communication, knowledge-sharing, and transparency in its operations and decision-making processes.

Collaboration Style:

  • CERN emphasizes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to scientific research and engineering.
  • The organization encourages knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning.
  • Teams work closely together, combining their expertise to overcome technical challenges and achieve common objectives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: CERN's unique work environment fosters international collaboration and innovation, providing employees with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge scientific research and engineering projects. The organization values diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Managing complex mechanical engineering projects with tight deadlines and quality standards.
  • Collaborating with industry partners to ensure the successful production and delivery of collimators and masks.
  • Overseeing the installation of collimators and masks in the machine, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with safety protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Enhance your mechanical engineering skills, gaining experience in assemblies in ultra-high vacuum environments and large-scale scientific projects.
  • Project Management: Develop your project management skills, working on complex projects with tight deadlines and quality standards.
  • International Collaboration: Expand your professional network by working with colleagues from over 110 countries, fostering cultural exchange and learning.
  • Career Progression: CERN offers opportunities for career progression, including team leadership and technical specialist roles.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a crucial phase of the High-Luminosity LHC Project, requiring a blend of technical proficiency, project management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. By joining CERN, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge scientific research and engineering projects, collaborating with experts from around the world.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  1. Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals: Discuss your understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, focusing on structural and thermal aspects.
  2. Project Management: Describe your experience with project management, highlighting your ability to meet deadlines, manage resources, and ensure quality standards.
  3. Problem-Solving: Present a case study or example of a technical challenge you've faced and how you overcame it, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
  4. High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC) Knowledge: Show your understanding of the HL-LHC Project and the work of the Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section, demonstrating your ability to contribute to the project's success.

Company & Culture Questions:

  1. CERN Values: Discuss your understanding of CERN's values and how you can contribute to the organization's mission and objectives.
  2. International Collaboration: Describe your experience working in diverse, multicultural environments and your commitment to learning the other language (English or French).
  3. Adaptability: Explain how you can adapt to the unique work environment at CERN, focusing on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Highlight your experience in mechanical engineering assemblies, project management, and problem-solving.
  • Include examples of your technical documentation and quality assurance efforts.
  • Emphasize your ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments and your commitment to learning the other language (English or French).

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: To prepare for your interview, brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, focusing on structural and thermal concepts. Familiarize yourself with the High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC) and the work of the Targets, Collimators, and Dumps (TCD) Section. Prepare for questions about your project management experience, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work in a collaborative environment. Tailor your portfolio and resume to highlight the required skills and experiences for this role, emphasizing your mechanical engineering expertise, project management abilities, and problem-solving skills.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Collimator Systems Engineer position at CERN:

  1. Submit your application through the application link provided in the job posting.
  2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your mechanical engineering expertise, project management abilities, and problem-solving skills. Emphasize your experience in mechanical engineering assemblies, project management, and quality assurance.
  3. Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, familiarizing yourself with the High-Luminosity LHC Project (HL-LHC), and practicing your problem-solving skills.
  4. Research CERN's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and your commitment to its objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and mechanical engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with CERN before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with 2 to 6 years of experience or a PhD with up to 3 years of experience. Experience in precise mechanical engineering assemblies and project management skills are essential.