Engineering

Safety Engineer for the CMS Experiment - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

Contract Type Contract Agent

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

At [CERN](http://http//home.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.

**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…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • 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

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Education: Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Health, Safety and Environment Engineering or a related field
  • 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 supervis…
  • Languages: English (spoken…), French (spoken…)
  • Key skills: 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, Achieving Results, Working in Teams, Managing Self, Demonstrating Flexibility
  • Eligibility: Applications welcome from all Member States and Associate Member States; Medical clearance required before contract offer is confirmed; Valid driving licence required; Work in Radiation Areas; Interventions in underground installations; Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays when required

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, subject to certain conditions holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position; Possibility to extend contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: CMS Safety Office.

Position details

Reference
EP-CMS-SSI-2026-148-LD
Last Verified
23 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Safety Engineer for the CMS Experiment at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is EP-CMS-SSI-2026-148-LD. The role falls under the Engineering domain.

At [CERN](http://http//home.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.

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.

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.

Eligibility and closing date:

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) 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](https://home.cern/about/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](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 15 July 2026, 7 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 23 July 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Engineering field browse our Engineering domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at CERN, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

CERN has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and Engineering signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the official EU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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