Instrument Support Technician (2 positions)

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a partnership organisation of 13 European member countries located in the city of Lund, Sweden. ESS is hiring motivated and inspiring people from across the globe to design, construct and operate the world’s most powerful neutron source. We seek collaborative, talented people in a range of fields who are excited about playing a part in the future of science in Europe. 

The Neutron Scattering Systems (NSS) Division at ESS is responsible for managing the instrument construction project with the scope to deliver 15 state of the art neutron instruments, built in collaboration between ESS and its in-kind partners across Europe. The division is responsible for neutron beam instrument engineering, engineering integration, design and delivery of NSS radiation shielding, design and delivery of NSS electrical systems and infrastructure, as well as technical and design support to delivery projects of, for example, choppers, detectors, sample environment and shutter systems. 

About the role 

We are now looking to appoint two Instrument Support Technicians to the Instrument Installation Section within the NSS Division. The Instrument Installation Section is a new and growing team at ESS consisting of Instrument Installation Package Leaders, Area Coordinators and additional Instrument Support Technicians, directly reporting to the Instrument Installation Section Leader. The team closely collaborates and manages the day by day on-site installation of components for the neutron scattering instruments. 

Your main responsibilities and tasks will include to: 


• Perform installation and assembly of neutron scattering instrument components and systems (spanning from basic to challenging tasks);
• Perform maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, repair and replacement of instrument components.
• Assist with integration, commissioning and operation of neutron instruments.
• Assist in maintaining documentation records for assembly, repair, testing and operation of instruments.
• Procure tools and auxiliary equipment required for installation, maintenance, and operation.
• Participate in the development and communication of safety, quality and other procedures.
• Build collaborative environment with instrument staff (Instrument Operating Engineers, Instrument Scientists) in order to support instrument operation, maintenance, installation.
• Handle basic workshop equipment and tools.
• Assemble and handle small and large components, possibly including rigging support.
• Maintain, assemble, install, commission and test electrical and mechanical systems.
• Participate in the R+D, testing and quality assurance process, as required.

This is a permanent position based in Lund, Sweden, and we need someone who can start as soon as practically possible. In the future, this role may require some on-call duties and/or shift work, which will be compensated for according to our collective agreement. Probation period six months. 

About you 

To be successful in this position you have documented technical training that we deem relevant. This documented training could for example be through vocational education or similar. In addition to this, you need several years’ solid experience working in highly technical positions with tasks similar to those described above. It is an advantage if your experience comes from industry or a facility similar to that of ESS. As we have two openings, one position can be for a less experienced candidate, and one for a more experienced one. 

Some examples of useful experience, although training may also be provided in some areas: 


• Proven mechanical dexterity, ability to manipulate precision jobs and to assemble complex parts. 
• Practical experience with workshop equipment, including clean areas, drilling, cutting, and precision equipment, soldering, etc.
• Wide-ranging experience of mechanical or electronic processes and practices.
• General mechanical assembly and installation experience.
• General electrical installation experience.
• Quality control work including inspection plans.
• Forklift license.
• Ability to complete test reports, fault finding and preventative maintenance.
• A good safety record, ideally with formal safety training applicable to installation activities.
• General IT skills, such as in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of CATIA or similar is useful.

Ability to communicate in English is a requirement, and ability to communicate in Swedish is an advantage. You have preferably worked in an international environment or believe you would enjoy doing so. 

As a person you enjoy collaborating and communicating with people both inside and outside the organisation. You get involved, take initiatives and work proactively. You also work in an organised and responsible way; adhering to health and safety rules and regulations comes naturally to you. 

What can we offer? 

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


• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• 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.
• Focus on work-life balance.
• Preventative healthcare benefit.

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.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Recruitment Officer Åsa Ander at asa.ander@ess.eu 

For further information regarding the position, please contact the hiring manager Antonio Bianchi at antonio.bianchi@ess.eu 

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