Technician for industrial cooling and ventilation systems (EN-CV-SPS-2025-64-LD)

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 the limits of technology so that physicists can conduct their research. Within the cooling and ventilation (CV) group of the EN department, you will join the SPS Section, which is in charge of the operation and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation systems of CERN’s accelerator complex and experimental areas. The activity includes worksite supervision for installation work and commissioning of new systems, the upgrade of existing systems, and consolidation of old systems.

Are you a qualified technician specialising in industrial cooling and ventilation systems? Contribute your skill and experience to the operation and maintenance of complex cooling plants in a unique environment hosting some of the world’s most complex technical installations. Join CERN’s Cooling and Ventilation operation team. Take part!

Functions

As a Technician for industrial cooling and ventilation systems, you will take part in the operation, maintenance, and modification works of cooling systems that are essential for the operation of CERN scientific facilities.

You will:

• Plan (by using the CMMS system), coordinate, supervise, check, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities on cooling and ventilation systems.
• Perform operation activities to ensure appropriate running of the cooling and ventilation systems.
• Ensure regular liaison with clients for all matters related to equipment under your responsibility.
• Propose and define the most appropriate solution to meet user needs in case of modification or renovation works.
• Technically coordinate contractors’ maintenance and installation work in compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards.
• Contribute to projects from the design phase to test and commissioning phases of new cooling and ventilation systems.
• Ensuring that the technical documentation is kept up-to-date and compliant with the quality standards.
• Ensure the respect of safety rules for all interventions.
• Follow up and regularly report on activities progress issues, schedule, and costs.
• Participate in the stand-by duty service.

Qualifications

Technical certificate or general secondary education or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Electro-mechanical or Mechanical fields or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on cooling and /or ventilation industrial systems.
• Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors.
• Experience in the use of CMMS tools.
• Experience in low voltage electrical systems.

The following experience would be considered assets:

• Experience in compressed air systems;
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems.

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of cooling water systems, ventilation systems, and distribution networks;
• Operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment and systems, LV network and switchboards;
• Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract;
• Organization, planning, coordination, and supervision of construction, consolidation, and maintenance works of such installations;
• Organization, planning, control, and coordination of activities involving different technical fields (electricity, civil engineering, heavy handling, etc.).

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results:
  • Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Working in Teams:
  • Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility:
  • Readily accepting new tasks or work/projects;
  • Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Solving Problems:
  • Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them;
  • Adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than "gold-plated" technical solutions.
• Communicating Effectively:
  • Providing others with timely information;
  • Ensuring that information, procedures, and decisions are appropriately documented.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts.

Spoken and written French: ability to understand or willingness to learn and improve (training provided by CERN).

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 11/05/2025 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

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty,
• Work in Radiation Areas,
• Interventions in underground installations,
• A valid driving licence.

When required by the needs of the Organization:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays,
• 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: 3-4

Job reference: EN-CV-SPS-2025-64-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Electromechanical Technician

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