Safety Engineer for the CMS Experiment (EP-CMS-SSI-2026-148-LD)

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

As a member of the CMS Safety Office, you will participate in all safety-related activities at the CMS experimental sites during the Long Shutdown 3, when both the detector and the infrastructure will undergo major upgrades. In particular, you will take a leading role in the technical review of all CMS fire extinguishing systems and safety monitoring systems to assess their design, coverage and suitability for the CMS upgrade. You will contribute to the review, testing, and commissioning of the CMS Alarm Action Matrix in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders, as well as organise regular reviews of the systems and activities and guide risk assessments for the collaboration’s teams.

Functions

• Coordinate and supervise the installation, integration, and commissioning of safety-related infrastructure for CMS across its underground experimental and surface facilities on the French and Swiss sites.
• Organise and follow up on the assembly, deployment, and commissioning of the CMS environmental monitoring system based on sniffers.
• Lead the technical review, consolidation, maintenance, and follow-up of the CMS fire protection systems.
• Contribute to the definition, review, testing, and validation of safety system logic, in particular the CMS Alarm Action Matrix
• Interface with CMS Technical Coordination, subdetector teams, and safety link persons to ensure coherent implementation of safety requirements and proper integration of systems across multiple domains.
• Support the preparation and follow-up of safety-related deliverables, including environmental monitoring systems and alarm management, ensuring traceability and consistency throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in and guide activity reviews and related risk assessments within CMS.
• Proactively contribute to the continuous improvements to the safety framework at the CMS experimental site, ensuring a safe working environment while streamlining safety processes and documentation to support the efficient execution of experimental activities.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Health, Safety and Environment Engineering or a related field.

Certificates in Safety Management (e.g. Nebosh) would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Experience with fire protection systems or environmental monitoring systems.
• Extensive experience in the installation, integration, and commissioning of safety-related technical systems, preferably in a complex or multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience in field-supervision, including installation follow-up, testing, and commissioning of complex systems.
• Track record in activity safety supervision, risk assessment, and coordination of multiple stakeholders.
• Initial experience working with control and/or safety systems (e.g. monitoring systems, alarms, interlocks, or similar).
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in an international environment.
• Proven ability to work successfully within multinational and multicultural teams of scientists, engineers and technicians.

Technical competencies:

• Safety conformity assessment.
• Occupational safety and risk management.
• Knowledge of design codes and compliance verification of mechanical equipment.
• Maintenance management.
• Process analysis, definition and improvement.
• Operation and support of experimental facilities.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Working in Teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and 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 12.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

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.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-CMS-SSI-2026-148-LD

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark Job Title: Health, Safety and Environment 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