Mechanical Engineer (ATLAS ITk Pixel) (EP-ATL-TRK-2026-157-GRAE)

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CERN seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the ATLAS ITk Pixel project in Geneva, onsite, on a 24 month contract with possible extension and an August 2026 start. You will contribute to the design, prototyping, assembly and testing of ITk Pixel Outer Barrel components, develop QA procedures and precision tooling for installation, and participate actively in production quality control and procurement follow up. Essential: experience designing precision mechanical components, CAD modelling (CATIA V5 preferred) and producing ISO compliant drawings, plus hands on prototype testing. Bonus: LabVIEW, temperature forcing systems, CO2 cooling or two phase cooling. Eligibility: CERN Member State national, max two years post graduation, Bachelor's or Master's, no prior CERN contracts, English plus willingness to learn French, on site work in radiation areas; nights weekends as needed. Benefits include tax free stipend 5266 5793 CHF, 30 days leave, health insurance, pension, relocation and training.

Job Description

The CERN ATLAS Team plays a major role in the construction of the future silicon ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk). In particular, the CERN team focuses on the development of the Pixel Outer Barrel, including the design, prototyping and assembly of the support structures as well as the final detector integration and testing.

As a mechanical engineer in the CERN ATLAS Team, you will contribute to these activities, playing an active role in the assembly and quality control of the detector components. As part of your role, you will be responsible for the implementation and conduction of suitable quality assurance procedures and test benches to verify the performance of the final assemblies. In addition, you will take part in the engineering of the precision tooling required for the assembly and installation of detector components.

Your responsibilities

• Participating in the conception, detailed design, production, testing, and installation of detector components, assembly tooling, and test infrastructure for the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel.
• Developing, documenting, and implementing procedures for the assembly, testing, installation, and repair of detector components and sub-assemblies.
• Managing the procurement of materials, detector components, and tooling, including follow-up on acceptance and installation.
• Contributing hands-on to the production and quality control of detector components, including OB local supports, global structures, cooling pipe extensions, and detector sub-assemblies (e.g. inclined units).

More information here.

Your profile

• Familiarity with the design of precision mechanical components and systems.
• Initial experience in the use of CAD software for 3D modelling (ideally CATIA V5), and in producing 2D technical drawings in accordance with relevant ISO standards for dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Hands-on experience in the assembly and thermal and/or mechanical testing of prototypes.
• Knowledge of LabVIEW and hands-on experience in the operation of temperature forcing systems and/or CO2 cooling plants would be considered an asset.
• Experience with two-phase cooling systems would be considered an advantage.

Skills

• A "can-do" attitude and a willingness to take part directly in the assembly and testing of unique detector components.
• A rigorous and organised approach to work, delivering high-quality results from the outset.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to work, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.
• Good understanding of tracking detector mechanics would be considered an asset.
• Practical knowledge of adhesive bonding and composite materials would be advantageous.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 26.06.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-August-2026

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.

Job reference: EP-ATL-TRK-2026-157-GRAE

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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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