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) provides CERN with the Engineering expertise, Infrastructure Systems and Technical Coordination necessary for the design, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling phases of the CERN accelerator complex and its experimental facilities.

The position is within the Accelerator Coordination and Engineering (EN-ACE) group, which coordinates the activities for the interventions and changes to the accelerators complex. It includes configuration & layout management, integration studies and maintenance of the related 3D-CAD representations, organisation and scheduling of programmed stops, management of the mid- and long-term schedule, worksites follow-up and management of accelerator facilities, and operational safety coordination.

As a Planning and Scheduling Engineer in EN-ACE, you will plan and coordinate a wide range of technologies across CERN’s current and future accelerator complex. You will collaborate closely with domain experts to develop practical solutions for the installation and maintenance of complex equipment, contributing to the Engineering Department’s mission of supporting the full lifecycle of CERN’s infrastructure and future projects.

Functions:

• Coordinate all installation and maintenance activities for existing or future accelerators.
• Produce baseline schedules ensuring all activities follow it, considering safety rules and quality standards.
• Prepare all supporting documentation and liaise between the stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve conflicting co-activity issues with stakeholders and project leaders.
• Manage the impact of operational issues affecting the installation and maintenance work on the schedule, in order to minimise delays.
• Ensure that all safety concerns related to the installation works are identified and that the relevant safety rules/procedures are implemented.
• Follow up and report on activities progress, to identify deviations and anticipate co-activities issues.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Engineering or Applied Physics or a related field.
• A Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification would be an additional asset.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in Project management for large-scale technical projects.
• Proven experience in the scheduling and coordination of activities linked to large-scale and complex projects, in managing co-activities and safety aspects.
• Proven experience in engaging stakeholders and obtaining consensus around commonly agreed objectives.
• Extensive experience in working with multiple project planning tools and communication between them.
• Proven experience with project scheduling and management tools is a valuable asset (e.g. MS Project, Oracle Primavera, MS PowerBI, VBA, Python, advanced knowledge in database management).

Technical competencies:

• Organisation, planning and control.
• Project management.
• Technical knowledge of engineering systems (related to accelerators technologies would be an asset).

Behavioural competencies:

• Setting Direction: managing conflicts within the team and with stakeholders in a constructive way.
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

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 02.07.2026 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: Hybrid

This position involves:

• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-ACE-2026-123-LD

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

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