Technician for Industrial Cooling, Ventilation & Refrigeration (EN-CV-PSM-2026-122-LD)

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 PSM Section (EN-CV-PSM), 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 the work site supervision for installation work and commissioning of new systems, upgrade of existing systems and consolidation of old systems. 

Are you a qualified technician, specialised in industrial cooling, ventilation & refrigeration 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

• 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, ventilation & refrigeration 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’ activities for maintenance and installation work in compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards.
• Contribute to projects from the design phase until test and commissioning of new cooling and ventilation systems.
• Ensure 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, schedule and costs. 

Qualifications

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Refrigeration and / or Electromechanics, or a related field.

Having obtained the fluid handling permit, or equivalent is considered an advantage.

Experience:

• Experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on cooling, ventilation, and industrial systems.
• Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors.
• Experience in the use of CMMS tools.
• Experience in low-voltage electrical systems.
• Initial experience in compressed air systems.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrated experience in installation works.

Technical competencies:

• Operation and maintenance of HVAC plants and networks.
• Operation and maintenance of cooling water systems.
• Design, construction, operation and maintenance of detector cooling systems.
• Operation and maintenance of electrical circuits and networks.
• Experience in work site supervision and as technical supervisor of contractors would be an advantage.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: being able to deal with ambiguous or unpredictable situations.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.

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 23.08.2026 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.
• Exposure to asbestos.
• Exposure to lead.
• Radiation worker, category A.
• 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: 3-4

Job reference: EN-CV-PSM-2026-122-LD

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Technician

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