Cooling and Ventilation Engineer (EN-CV-PJ-2026-162-LD)

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CERN is seeking a Cooling and Ventilation Engineer to join EN-CV-PJ and lead the design, installation, commissioning and operation of cooling and ventilation plants for accelerators. The role requires a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, solid experience in cooling and HVAC design, testing and hydraulic systems, plus proven contract and project management. You will define user requirements, conduct feasibility studies, prepare technical specifications and tender documents, supervise contractors, and monitor costs and timelines. English is essential with a commitment to learn French; onsite work in radiation areas and occasional night shifts with medical clearance. Tips: tailor your CV to highlight project leadership, cost control and tendering; quantify outcomes; show stakeholder communication; demonstrate autonomy and teamwork; ensure you meet the 19 August 2026 deadline.

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization 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:

Within the CERN Engineering department (EN), the Cooling and Ventilation (EN-CV) group is responsible for the design, the building, the operation, and the maintenance of the cooling and ventilation plants for large energy physics accelerators, experiments, and technical facilities. The EN-CV group pursues sustainable cooling and ventilation systems enhancing energy saving and recovery.
You will join the Project Section (EN-CV-PJ), which is in charge of coordination and management of cooling and ventilation projects for installation of new systems, upgrade of existing systems and consolidation of old systems both for CERN accelerators and experiments. 
The section is responsible for entire project cycles, starting from collecting user requirements to the final commissioning of cooling and ventilation systems.

Functions:

• Pursue and define user requirements from main stakeholders.
• Perform feasibility studies and detailed designs of industrial cooling and HVAC systems, including sizing and cost estimates for the proposed solutions.
• Write up technical reports and notes.
• Draw up technical specifications and all relevant documents, follow up the tendering process up to the adjudication of future contracts.
• Follow up and regularly report on the project's progress.
• Ensure technical coordination and supervision of contractors.
• Monitor cost and schedule up to the commissioning and formal acceptance of the systems.
• Support operation teams in the troubleshooting and process improvement of existing plants.
• Actively contribute to the development and improvement of the internal procedures, technical prescriptions, and standardisation of the technical solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Certification in project management (PMP/PMI) would be an asset.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in the design, construction and testing of industrial cooling systems including experience in selecting related equipment and instrumentation.
• Initial experience in the design, construction and testing of HVAC installations and their related hydraulic components.
• Proven experience in contract management.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.

Technical competencies:

• Design and construction of cooling water systems: (cooling tower, demineralised and chilled water) and networks including test of plants and their associated equipment.
• Design and construction of HVAC plants and networks: including test of plant and associated equipment.
• Water cooling process design and analysis: as well as HVAC process.
• Project management.
• Contract management.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 19.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

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.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Shift work.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-CV-PJ-2026-162-LD

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern