Mechatronics Technician – Optical Link

About the role

You will join the ESE group at CERN to fabricate and assemble electronic and opto‑electronic test systems for component performance evaluation. The position involves hands‑on work in the mechanical workshop and wiring labs, supporting demanding environments such as radiation test facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Operate CNC routers, milling machines, lathes and drill presses to produce mechanical parts for test setups.
• Assemble wiring and fibre‑optic harnesses that connect devices to test systems.
• Solder electronic components onto printed circuit boards and, after training, design simple PCBs.
• Test cabling harnesses and assembled circuits using laboratory instruments.
• Assist in the assembly and testing of large‑scale experimental setups.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience in mechanical parts manufacturing and basic knowledge of compact CNC machines.
• Familiarity with electronic board assembly, cable and wiring fabrication, and electromechanical testing.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and electronic schematics.
• Effective teamwork within multidisciplinary groups.
• Fluent English (written and spoken) with willingness to learn French.
• National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, maximum two years of professional experience since graduation, and no prior CERN contract.

Required skills

• CNC machining (router, milling, lathe, drill press)
• Mechanical part manufacturing
• Wiring and fibre‑optic harness assembly
• PCB soldering and basic PCB design
• Reading mechanical drawings
• Interpreting electronic schematics
• Use of laboratory test instrumentation

What we offer

• 24‑month fixed‑term contract (extendable up to 36 months).
• Monthly stipend of 4 687 CHF (tax‑free).
• 30 days paid leave plus two weeks annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and pension fund membership.
• Family, child and infant allowances where applicable.
• Relocation package covering installation grant and travel expenses.
• Work in radiation areas, underground installations, with night/weekend shifts as needed.