Materials Engineer (EN-MME-MM-2024-133-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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Introduction

The Engineering Department (EN) pushes back the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. Within the Mechanical & Material Engineering Group (MME) of the EN department, you will join the Materials, Metrology and Non-Destructive Testing (MM) section EN-MME-MM, that undertakes the development, selection, specification, characterisation, and analysis of materials such as metals and their alloys, composites, ceramics and thin films.

As a materials engineer, you will provide support, plan, and execute studies related to materials and components, including materials procurement, fabrication, and assembly qualifications, as well as overseeing quality controls of the materials for the construction of particle accelerators and associated components. You will have to exploit all material observational and analytical tools available in the section such as light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), including Focused Ion Beam (FIB) techniques, microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, hardness (including instrumented indentation), and mechanical testing both at ambient as well as cryogenic temperatures, including fracture toughness and eventually fatigue and Fatigue Crack Growth Rate (FCGR) tests. You will also conduct failure analyses when necessary and contribute to the development of knowledge and experience of the section, drawing upon several decades of expertise in materials selection and testing for accelerators, detectors and fusion magnet applications.

Moreover, in the context of the R&D projects based on CERN know-how in the materials area of expertise, you will provide support, plan, and execute studies related to materials and components, including materials procurement, fabrication, and assembly qualifications.

Are you passionate about materials? Are you skilled in combining materials, mechanics, testing, creativity and rigour? This is an opportunity for you: you will be part of a multidisciplinary team undertaking the development and characterisation of a large variety of extremely complex materials and parts used at CERN, in the framework of a wide range of research and development projects. Join a highly qualified team of engineers and technicians in materials and mechanical engineering. Take part! 

Functions

• Take part in the analysis of materials, in a small group of specialists, using a variety of material characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), light microscopy and automatic image analysis.
• Perform mechanical testing such as tensile, compression, flexural, fatigue, as well as macro and micro hardness and instrumented indentation hardness, including by nano indentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques.
• In particular, carry out mechanical tests at cryogenic temperature, including but not limited to fracture toughness and eventually fatigue and Fatigue Crack Growth Rate (FCGR) tests; develop test facilities, testing protocols according to standards in force and data analysis protocols for such tests.
• Perform failure analysis of materials and components, integrating the interpretation of the materials characterization results and of Non–Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques such as visual inspection (VT), penetrant testing (PT), ultrasonic examination (UT) including phase array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), radiographic testing (RT) and computed tomography (CT).
• Make critical assessments of observations and various associated results, produce technical reports, and advise users on matters related with materials.
• Suggest test programs, present results in technical or scientific meetings within the Organization and with industrial partners and research institutes.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Materials science and engineering, with a specialization in metallurgy or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated relevant working experience in materials engineering, including the field of material testing.
• Experience in a multi-purpose metallurgy and materials testing laboratory.
• Experience in developing and documenting standard or non-standard mechanical test procedures.
• Experience in fracture mechanics testing of materials at cryogenic temperature.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of metals and alloys: composition, structure, properties, heat treatments.
• Knowledge and application of mechanical testing (destructive): destructive material testing, including low-temperature mechanical testing of materials, Fracture Mechanics both in Linear Elastic (LEFM) and Elastic Plastic (EPFM) regimes, instrumented indentation.
• Knowledge and application of electron microscopy and microanalysis: destructive material testing, including low-temperature mechanical testing of materials, Fracture Mechanics both in Linear Elastic (LEFM) and Elastic Plastic (EPFM) regimes, instrumented indentation.
• Processing of metals and alloys: knowledge of mechanical metallurgy, joining techniques:, welding (TIG, MIG, laser, EB) and brazing (vacuum brazing).
• Knowledge and application of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques: general knowledge of NDT techniques.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. Driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises. Taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Solving Problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components. Assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Working in Teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals. Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English. Ability to understand and speak French in professional contexts would be an advantage.  

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 15.10.2024 at 23:55.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

This position involves:

• 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.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EN-MME-MM-2024-133-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further