Cryogenics Operator

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the role:

The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we now need a Cryogenics Technician and Operator to join our Cryogenics team.

The role primarily involves supporting the cryogenic engineers and communicating with colleagues, consultants and suppliers to ensure safe and timely commissioning and stable operation of the relevant equipment and processes of the ESS machine. Training for special maintenance tasks and cryogenic operation activities will be provided.

As our next cryogenics technician/operator, you will enjoy a varied and diverse workload. Your tasks will include commissioning, acceptance testing and operating of integrated compressor, coldbox, cryogenic distribution and client systems; periodic inspection rounds; filling liquid helium and nitrogen dewars; performing leak tests and fault searches; carrying out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance; developing guidelines and procedures for safe operations as well as documenting interactions and occurrences with respect to the cryogenic system.

About you:

To thrive with us in the Cryogenics group, you should be a detail oriented, cautious and safety conscious person who enjoy sittings in the pilot seat in the control room!

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you'll have a background as certified electrician, control room operator, instrument technician or a bachelors-level Engineer. However relevant experience in a similar role is more critical than the type of qualification you hold. Experience of working on cryogenic systems is desirable, but is not a requirement since relevant training will be provided when needed. Excellent communication skills are a must for this role, as you will be required to keep careful and detailed notes in the log book of any incidents arising within the cryogenics systems.

It would be great if you can bring prior experience of commissioning or operating/maintaining large process installations and machines, such as power plants, paper mills, waste handling plants, etc. We need someone who can read and understand Pipes and Instruments Diagrams (P&IDs) and electrical schematics and who has handled pressurised systems and/or liquefied gasses including leak tests.

We are building ESS from the ground up, so we need someone who is comfortable not only following procedures, but also creating them. We attach great importance to personality and attitude, so we're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, responsive,  who likes to collaborate with different people and who is committed to helping this amazing project to realise its full potential. We need a hands-on self-starter who is able to work in a structured, orderly, responsible and – most importantly – safe way.

The working language of ESS is English and for this role on-call duty and occasional shift work will be required as necessary.

What can we offer?

Aside from the chance to work at truly unique big science project, you can also expect:


• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 25 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• An attractive compensation scheme for non-normal working hours which is fully in accordance with Swedish regulations.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-54500 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu. For further information regarding the position, please contact Philipp Arnold – Cryogenics Group Leader – via philipp.arnold@ess.eu

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on Mikael.Johansson@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu 

We look forward to receiving your application soon!