Cryogenics Technician

Imagine what we could learn if we could build a microscope so powerful that it could look deep inside the very materials that the universe is made from. A microscope that could actually let us see the atoms and molecules that substances are made from. Imagine the new discoveries we could make, the new materials we could develop and how much we could learn about ourselves and our universe.

The European Spallation Source is the mother of all microscopes! It is one of the most exciting, innovative and ground-breaking,” Big Science” projects under construction today. Research with neutrons lies behind some of the most important materials and innovations which improve our everyday lives, our health and our environment – and ESS will be the most powerful neutron microscope when fully operational in 2027.

Others have built telescopes that allow us to look into the deepest regions of space. Now we are building a microscope so powerful it will allow us to the study the smallest objects – atoms – in the finest detail.

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 Group.

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 things like installation of cryomodules and related equipment; commissioning, acceptance testing and operating of integrated compressor, coldbox, cryogenic distribution and client systems; 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 need to be driven, responsive and good at spotting both problems and opportunities. You need to be a highly motivated person who isn’t afraid to get your hands dirty!

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you'll have a background as certified electrician or mechanic - 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.

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. If you also have prior experience of troubleshooting PLC's, remote IO, network switches and related connectivity and compatibility problems, this would be a distinct advantage.

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, has excellent communication skills, 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 but it would be great if you could also work in Swedish as well. For this role, we need someone who can start as soon as possible! On-call duty and occasional shift work will be required as necessary.

What can we offer?

Aside from the chance to work at a 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, exciting and fast-paced 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.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

Interested? We sure hope so.

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, which may be required in the final stages of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-20309 in your application. We will close this recruitment as soon as the right candidates have been secured - so apply sooner rather than later!

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process or contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu. For further information regarding the position, please contact the Philipp Arnold – Cryogenics Group Leader – via philipp.arnold@ess.eu

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Yngve Levinsen at yngve.levinsen@ess.eu.

We look forward to receiving your application soon!