This position will contribute to the development and deployment of robotic solutions for experimental facilities at CERN, supporting installation, maintenance, and intervention activities in constrained environments.

The role is embedded within the HL-LHC project, supporting the robotic activities required for the installation and maintenance of the Vacuum Assembly for Experimental area (VAX) in the CMS and ATLAS experiments.

You will oversee the development, testing, and commissioning of the CRANEbot robotic system, contribute to the preparation, testing and execution of the ATLAS shielding modification, implementing offline industrial robot control for machining operations and define and support intervention procedures.

Your responsibilities:

• Implement control of robotic bases, manipulators, and end-effectors, including homing procedures and predefined operating positions.
• Develop and test robot-environment interfaces to ensure system stability during operation.
• Test and validate connections to hardware modules, including cameras, motors, encoders, routers, computers, and other sensors.
• Develop and test robotic machining strategies using offline programming and closed-loop vibration control.
• Contribute to the definition of procedures and documentation and prepare test plans for missions and system validation.
• Communicate regularly with end-users and stakeholders to gather requirements and provide technical support.
• Supervise student projects related to the above activities.

Your profile:

• Proven experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g. EtherCAT, CANopen).
• Proficiency in C++ programming and use of open-source robotics libraries/tools.
• Familiarity with Git, GitLab, CMake, and collaborative development environments.
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and their application in robotics development.
• Knowledge of motion control algorithms and robotics fundamentals (kinematics, dynamics, trajectory planning, control).
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with offline programming and simulation tools (e.g. RoboDK, KUKA.Sim).
• Experience in technical project management, overseeing complex robotic systems development.

Skills:

• Working in team.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work under deadlines.
• Strong communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Mechatronics, Robotics, Computing (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: 06.04.2026 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-May-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: BE-CEM-MRO-2026-40-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 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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Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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