Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

Contract TypeOther

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

As a motivated young mechanical design engineer, with a specific interest in seeking practical solutions around mechanical systems, CERN's graduate program may very well give you that challenging opportunity.

The mandate of the MMEgroup, within the Engineering Department (EN), is to provide to the CERN community specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication and material sciences. Historically the group maintains and develops the know-how on the mechanical construction of beam accelerator components and physics detectors. You will join the Design Office that is in charge of mechanical design of components required for CERN's accelerator and detectors, comprising many high-tech equipment such as superconducting magnets and cavities, vacuum systems and instrumentation. And under the supervision of a senior design engineer, you will design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production.

What we offer:

- A collaborative and innovative work environment. - Opportunities for professional growth and development. - Access to the latest tools and technologies. - Supportive team culture focused on achieving excellence.

Your…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • Design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production
  • Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5, adhering to ISO GPS norms
  • Carry out simple structural analysis and numerical calculations
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the group, material science, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability
  • Continuously improve designs based on feedback and testing results
  • Participate in problem-solving and troubleshooting activities related to design and production issues
  • Maintain accurate documentation of designs, modifications, and project progress

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • Experience: Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
  • Key skills: Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA V5 for creating 3D & 2D drawings, Strong understanding of ISO GPS norms and their application in mechanical design, Practical knowledge of mechanics and mechanical systems, Knowledge of 3D CAD modelling and 2D technical drafting, preferably using CATIA V5, Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including materials, manufacturing processes and mechanical behaviour of structures
  • Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. By the application deadline, maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Applicants without University degree are not eligible. Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Engineering Department (EN), MME group, Design Office.

Position details

Reference
EN-MME-MD-2026-250-GRAE
Last Verified
6 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Mechanical Design Engineer at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is EN-MME-MD-2026-250-GRAE. The role falls under the Engineering domain.

As a motivated young mechanical design engineer, with a specific interest in seeking practical solutions around mechanical systems, CERN's graduate program may very well give you that challenging opportunity.

The mandate of the MMEgroup, within the Engineering Department (EN), is to provide to the CERN community specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication and material sciences. Historically the group maintains and develops the know-how on the mechanical construction of beam accelerator components and physics detectors. You will join the Design Office that is in charge of mechanical design of components required for CERN's accelerator and detectors, comprising many high-tech equipment such as superconducting magnets and cavities, vacuum systems and instrumentation. And under the supervision of a senior design engineer, you will design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production.

What we offer:

- A collaborative and innovative work environment. - Opportunities for professional growth and development. - Access to the latest tools and technologies. - Supportive team culture focused on achieving excellence.

Your responsibilities

- Design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production. - Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5, adhering to ISO GPS norms. - Carry out simple structural analysis and numerical calculations. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the group, material science, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability. - Continuously improve designs based on feedback and testing results. - Participate in problem-solving and troubleshooting activities related to design and production issues. - Maintain accurate documentation of designs, modifications, and project progress.

Your profile

- Initial experience in mechanical design and development of mechanical components or assemblies. - Knowledge of 3D CAD modelling and 2D technical drafting, preferably using CATIA V5 - Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including materials, manufacturing processes and mechanical behaviour of structures.

Skills

- Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA V5 for creating 3D & 2D drawings. - Strong understanding of ISO GPS norms and their application in mechanical design. - Practical knowledge of mechanics and mechanical systems. - Ability to learn new languages (French / English). - 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 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.

Job closing date: 23.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-February-2027

Job reference: EN-MME-MD-2026-250-GRAE

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

- A monthly net stipend of either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month 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.

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

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 November 2026, 4 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Engineering field browse our Engineering domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at CERN, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

CERN has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and Engineering signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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