Mechanical Engineer for LHCb RICH (EP-LBO-DO-2024-58-GRAE)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

Are you a mechanical engineer who would like to contribute to the future of one of the four large experiments on the LHC complex?

Join our team at CERN's Experimental Physics Department to upgrade RICH detectors for the LHCb experiment. Your involvement will focus on redesigning future detectors, incorporating new photodetectors and optical systems to enhance performance. Initially, you'll lead the development and construction of a small cryostat for testing photodetectors at low temperatures, from designing the structure to preparing manufacturing drawings. Structural and thermal analyses will ensure mechanical resistance and efficient heat transfer. You'll work closely with a project engineer to understand essential concepts and requirements, gaining hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to other engineering tasks within the LHCb RICH Research & Development program. This position offers a unique chance to enhance your mechanical design skills and gain expertise in vacuum systems, cryogenics, and experimental physics.

In this role, you will: 

• Design and size mechanical systems to specifications;
• Perform finite element analyses (FEA) to ensure the withstanding of the components, predict the heat transfer and compliance with design parameters;
• Have the opportunity to take part in the development, prototyping, testing and operation of the designed systems;
• Establish technical specifications and execution drawings;
• Interact with companies to manufacture specific components and to procure materials (for vacuum and cryogenics applications);
• Initiate contacts with experts at CERN and collaborating institutes to gain new insights.
• Draw up production drawings, documentation and technical reports;
• Discuss and present results to the collaboration;

More information here: https://lhcb-outreach.web.cern.ch/detector/rich-detectors/

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Knowledge of precise mechanical engineering assemblies (including production of execution drawing);
• Professional experience using a mechanical 3D CAD tool (with CATIA V5 would be an advantage);
• Sound knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts (structural, materials, thermal);
• Experience in FEA and engineering calculations;
• Ready to study and acquire new competencies also in an independent manner;
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

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 Engineer (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: 14.04.2024 at 12:00 AM (midnight) CEST.

Job reference: EP-LBO-DO-2024-58-GRAE

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

Target start date: 01-July-2024

This position requires:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 5119 and 5631 Swiss Francs (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

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.

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