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:

Join CERN as a Senior Project Manager and lead the design and potential construction of cutting-edge underground and surface civil engineering projects. Manage high-value contracts and small teams of skilled engineers on technically complex projects, collaborating across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions.

Be part of the dynamic team shaping the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC), a 91 km circumference machine planned to be housed in an underground complex up to 500 metres below ground in the Geneva Basin.

Functions:

• Responsible for the preliminary design and planning of the extensive and complex civil engineering works envisaged for the FCC.
• Lead the definition of requirements and develop technical solutions for surface and underground civil engineering infrastructure for the FCC.
• Lead internal CERN stakeholders on the contractual framework for design and possible future construction of the FCC.
• Prepare technical and contractual documentation for major consultancy contracts covering detailed design and construction supervision.
• Manage CERN personnel contributing to FCC civil engineering efforts.
• Interface and coordinate with CERN stakeholders to ensure civil engineering milestones are achieved.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates and schedules for FCC civil engineering.
• Report on FCC civil engineering at a high management level within CERN and with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of civil engineering or a related field.

Specific project management qualifications would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Experienced civil engineer with a strong background in project and contract management within underground civil engineering.
• Extensive experience within relevant fields of underground civil engineering.
• Extensive experience in managing complex, high-value civil engineering projects at a high level.
• Extensive experience in managing design and construction contracts for high-value civil engineering projects.
• Proven experience in writing technical documentation for civil engineering works.

Technical competencies:

• Project management.
• Extensive knowledge of the design and construction of underground structures.
• Extensive and significant expertise in managing large-scale civil engineering projects.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Setting Direction: coordinating activities and focusing team on goals and objectives; monitoring progress of team towards agreed goals and taking corrective action when needed.

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 06.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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: Hybrid

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SCE-PPM-2025-238-LD

Field of work: Civil Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Civil Engineer