ATLAS Detector Cooling Engineer

About the role

Join the ATLAS Detector Cooling team at CERN and help qualify, integrate, and commission the 2PACL CO₂ cooling system for upcoming detector upgrades. You will work on thermal testing, instrumentation, data acquisition development, and the installation of cooling infrastructure for a world‑leading scientific experiment.

Key responsibilities

• Test and validate detector structures and 2PACL CO₂ cooling components, comparing experimental results with simulation models.
• Design, build, and operate thermal test setups, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
• Analyse test data to assess performance and support detector integration.
• Provide technical feedback to detector teams and assist with integration and commissioning activities.
• Participate in the installation, commissioning, and performance validation of cooling distribution lines and vacuum infrastructure.

Required profile

• Up to two years of professional experience in thermal‑fluid systems, cooling technologies, or heat transfer, obtained through academic or engineering projects.
• Experience with simulation or modelling of thermal and fluid systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software for 2D/3D mechanical design (e.g., CATIA V5 or similar).
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation, laboratory testing, or DAQ systems.
• Ability to analyse and interpret experimental or simulation data.

Required skills

• Thermal‑fluid system knowledge and heat‑transfer principles.
• Fluid‑mechanics understanding, including two‑phase cooling.
• CAD modelling (CATIA V5 or equivalent).
• Instrumentation and data‑acquisition (DAQ) system development.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Reading electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with SCADA and industrial control environments.

What we offer

• Monthly net stipend of 5,266 CHF (Bachelor) or 5,793 CHF (Master).
• 30 days paid leave per year plus a two‑week annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance for you and your family, plus CERN pension membership.
• Family, child, and infant allowances where applicable.
• Relocation package covering installation grant and travel expenses.
• Possibility to extend the contract up to 36 months.
• On‑the‑job and formal training, including language classes.