Laboratory Engineer

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.

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 Laboratory/Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering and Technology Section.

As the job title suggests, this role represents a unique opportunity for a laboratory or mechanical engineer to experience the best of both worlds: Hands-on mechanical design work, coupled with practical laboratory-based procedures, processes and experiments.

Our next Lab/Mech Engineer will enjoy a role that has a great variety and diversity of tasks. No two days will be the same. One day, you could be designing vacuum parts and components using 3D and 2D CAD or participating directly in the system assembly and installation operations; whilst the next day you might be performing basic FEA studies or establishing measurement validation methodologies.

About you:

To thrive with us in the team, 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! We imagine that the successful candidate will have significant prior experience working in similar "Big Science" facilities, such as synchrotrons, particle accelerators, etc.

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you will have appropriate technical qualifications, such as Higher Technical or University engineering degree in mechanical engineering or similar engineering degree. However relevant experience in a similar role is more critical than the type of qualification you hold.

In this unique and interesting role, we really need someone with a good level of competency with 3D & 2D design using CAD and CATIA. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of both Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and its application to production drawings under ISO standards, as well as the rules and norms for mechanical manufacturing in accordance with applicable and interfacing electrical regulations.

Prior experience of conducting Non-Destructive Testing and laboratory measurements would be a distinct advantage. A key element of this role will be the publish experimental results and scientific papers - so an established academic publication history is desirable.

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.

What can we offer?

Aside from the opportunity to work at one of only 4 linear accelerator-based Spallation sources on the whole planet, 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.
• 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.

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.

The last day for receiving applications is Friday, 30th September 2022. Please quote the job reference number ESD-17358 in your application. Please note that we are advertising this position on a variety of platforms and we reserve the right to close the position should a suitable candidate be found before the closing date.

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 hiring manager - Nick Gazis - at nick.gazis@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!