Technical Engineer for Water Treatment Systems (EN-CV-CES-2026-124-LD)

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CERN is hiring a Technical Engineer for Water Treatment Systems to join the EN-CV Cooling and Ventilation group and oversee water treatment for cooling plants emphasizing reliability, safety and compliance. Responsibilities include studying installations, drafting tender documents, leading investigations, coordinating CMMS maintenance, monitoring performance, supervising contractors. Requirements: bachelor's in Chemical, Process or Environmental Engineering or related field; experience with demineralised water, cooling circuits, CMMS, low voltage work, and contract management; English or French with commitment to learn the other; onsite Geneva, 40 hours, 5-year limited contract extension. Tips: tailor your CV to highlight water treatment operations, CMMS and contract management, and address stand-by duties and safety in your cover letter.

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

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the EN department, the Cooling and Ventilation (EN-CV) group is responsible for the design, the construction, 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 savings and recovery.
You will join the Methods, Store and Electrical Section (CES), which oversees the operation and maintenance of water treatment systems, as well as the development of maintenance procedures, implementation of computerised maintenance management (CMMS), documentation management, spare parts store management and electrical works.
Are you a qualified and proactive and specialised in industrial water treatment systems, ready to contribute to a unique working environment at the heart of one of the world's most complex scientific installations?
In this role, you will contribute to the analysis, optimisation and development of water treatment systems used for cooling and ventilation installations. You will ensure system performance, reliability and compliance with environmental and safety requirements, while supporting operation and maintenance activities. 

Functions

• Study, design and validate the performance of new water treatment installations or upgrade of existing water treatment installations. 
• Contribute to the water treatment contract management, produce technical specification and all the documents for the tendering procedure for the renewal of the contract.
• Lead technical investigations and root cause analysis for complex or recurring issues affecting water treatment systems.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance activities (by using the CMMS system), defining appropriate strategies and ensuring alignment with operational needs.
• Monitor system performance and follow up on activities, ensuring reporting on progress, schedule and costs.
• Technically coordinate contractors’ activities for maintenance and installation work, ensuring compliance with contractual clauses, technical standards and safety requirements.
• Ensure that technical documentation is complete, structured and up to date, in line with quality standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in the operation, maintenance and optimisation of water treatment systems, including demineralised water production.
• Proven experience in water treatment of cooling circuits (cooling towers or closed circuits), including water chemistry aspects.
• Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors and activities.
• Experience in the use of CMMS tools.
• Experience in low-voltage electrical systems.
• Experience in analysing and troubleshooting technical systems would be an asset.
• Experience in contract management, would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of cooling water systems and networks.
• Operation and maintenance of electrical circuits and networks.
• Design and construction of cooling water systems.
• Operation and maintenance of HVAC plants and networks.
• Work Technical supervision of contractor.
• Work site supervision.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 16.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• 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 asbestos.
• Exposure to lead.
• 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: 4-5

Job reference: EN-CV-CES-2026-124-LD

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark Job Title: Material Science/Chemical Technical 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