Job Description

Join the Geodetic Metrology group at CERN, where you will take part in the metrology and alignment of a wide variety of components that are used in particle physics experiments! You will use state-of-the art surveying tools and software to achieve the sub-millimetre accuracy necessary to meet our goals. You will participate in the definition of the geodetic metrology strategy, and you will apply alignment solutions for the upgrade of the CERN experiments, including the detectors of the CERN's flagship accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Your responsibilities

After several weeks of training, you will progressively take responsibility for the alignment of various detectors such as ATLAS, AMBER, SHIP, under the guidance of your supervisor. You will:

• Implement geodetic infrastructure, i.e., the design with the aid of simulations, materialisation, and maintenance of geodetic networks in the experimental areas.
• Carry out and supervise geometrical measurements at all stages of component production from assembly to installation in situ using standard geodetic 3D techniques including the use of close range photogrammetry and laser trackers.
• Be responsible for data processing comprising advanced stochastic analysis, creation of documentation and presentation of results.
• Supervise and conduct "as-built" measurements of experiment related areas - such as assembly halls, caverns, etc - using 3D laser scanning technology, and perform post-processing of point cloud data, using the appropriate software, before data delivery to the integration team.

More information here.

Your profile

• Experience in the domain of high precision geodetic or industrial metrology including the instruments and the methods used in high accuracy metrology.
• Initial experience in coordination, planning, reporting and quality assurance aspects would be a plus.

Skills:

• Knowledge and application of high accuracy survey methods and tools: laser tracker, close range photogrammetry;
• Use of survey instruments as total stations and 3D laser scanning;
• Knowledge and practice of standard adjustment software: theories, concepts and algorithms related to the least square adjustment;
• Knowledge and application of data acquisition and data processing software (i.e., Python, Matlab, Spatial Analyser);
• Organisation, planning and control including supervision of work;
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in geomatics, industrial metrology, land surveying, topography (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 04.01.2026 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-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organisation's installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job reference: BE-GM-ESA-2025-189-GRAP

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.