Introduction

Are you a Mechanical Engineer interested in the challenges of designing, procuring, operating, and maintaining complex fluidic systems for particle physics detectors? Do you want to participate in the realization of the next generation CO2 cooling systems to cope with the most demanding requirements of the HL-LHC experiments? Take part!

You will join:

• The Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics in a stimulating scientific atmosphere, standing as an important reference for the physics community. It also contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
• The Detector Technologies (DT) group, participating in the development, construction, operation and maintenance of particle detectors and their technical infrastructure for the LHC experiments and several other experiments at CERN.
• The Fluidic Systems Section, in charge of the design, construction, commissioning and operation of fluidic systems (gas & cooling) for detectors in CERN experiments. In particular, the section has to launch the production of the new CO2 cooling systems for the Phase 2 upgrades of the ATLAS and CMS experiments and complete their installation and commissioning by the end of Long Shutdown 3 of the LHC.

Functions

As Mechanical Engineer in the Fluidic Systems Section, initially you will:

• Play a key role in the follow-up of the outsourced construction of the final CO2 detector cooling systems for the Phase 2 upgrades of ATLAS and CMS. This includes collaborating with the Project Leader in the technical contacts with the contractors, strictly interacting with the person in charge of the logistics for the reception, storage and shipment to the contractor premises of all the components centrally procured by CERN.
• Be in charge of the Quality Control process on the CERN side during the outsourced production, and of all the acceptance procedures at reception of the different systems.
• Keep the 3D models of the plants and of the accumulators up-to-date, introduce in a timely manner all modifications introduced during the final design and fabrication phases at the contractors premises.

At a later stage, you will:

• Participate in the long phase of installation and commissioning of the systems in the dedicated underground facilities at P5 and P1.
• Participate in the commissioning and operation of CO2 cooling systems, including participation in the stand-by duty service of the EP-DT-FS section.
• Supervise graduates and students.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• The experience required for this post is:
  • Demonstrated experience in detailed mechanical design of complex fluidic systems (preferably CO2 cooling systems).
  • Proven practice in mechanical calculations.
  • Experience in operation and maintenance of detector cooling systems.
  • Experience in pursuing technical discussions with suppliers and in participating in procurement procedures.

Technical competencies:

• Design, analysis and optimization of thermal systems.
• Design, construction, operation and maintenance of detector cooling systems: with focus on low temperature CO2 cooling systems.
• Quality management: with emphasis on dimensional control, welded structures and produced documentation.
• Knowledge and application of thermal and/or fluid measurement techniques: with emphasis on refrigeration 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.
• Solving problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than 'gold -plated' technical solutions.
• Demonstrating flexibility: being able to deal with ambiguous or unpredictable situations.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 15.08.2023

Employment Conditions

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

These functions require:

• 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.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DT-2023-100-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer