Instrument Lead Engineer

Imagine what we could learn if we could build a machine so powerful that it could look deep inside the very materials that the universe is made from. A device that could actually let us see the atoms and molecules that make up the structure of substances. 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 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 an Instrument Lead Engineer join our NSS Instrument Engineering Section.

The Instrument Lead Engineer responsbilities centre around taking an instrument concept and turning it into an actual instrument. This end-to-end process includes performing planning, detailed design, procurement, assembly and installation in a project environment. The Instrument Lead Engineer provides technical project leadership, including management and integration of the engineering effort. Together with the Instrument Lead Scientist, and a core team of specialists, the lead engineer will perform engineering design work based on the scientific specifications. The role also includes developing and maintaining the 3D CAD model of the instrument, working with the technical groups for integration, and coordinating all engineering efforts related to the instrument.

As part of the Core Instrument Team, the Lead Engineer will provide the engineering leadership and technical project management, take a leading role in defining the project delivery plan -involving scope, budget and schedule - coordinate technical activities between the participating partner institutions and deliver the instrument to operations according to scope, budget and schedule.

About you:

To thrive with us in the NSS Instrument Engineering Section, 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 stuck in from day 1.

Ideally, you will have appropriate technical qualifications, which means a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar field. Our ideal candidate will bring significant experience of leading engineering activities from requirements to installations. Prior experience of both 2D and 3D modelling, tolerance and strength analysis, ISO GPS methodology and familiarity with CATIA 3D experience is essential. Additional knowledge of FEA packages such as ANSYS or Abaqus would be a unique advantage. The ability to work collaboratively with lead detector scientists and engineers to ensure compliance with the instrument's strict requirements and constraints is also a requirement for this role.

Prior experience of working in a particle accelerator, neutron scattering facility or other similar "big science" project is also a prerequisite for this position.

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!

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.
• 30 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.

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-33027 in your application. 

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 trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@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!