The CERN Origin Mechanical Design Engineer role is a 24-month graduate position in the Design Office of the MME group in Geneva, Switzerland, with a monthly net stipend of CHF 5,266 or 5,793 depending on your degree. It is open to nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State with a Bachelor's or Master's degree and a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation, and applications close on 23 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the responsibilities, eligibility rules and benefits below so you can check your fit before applying.
A Graduate Role for Practical Mechanical Design
CERN describes this opportunity for a motivated young mechanical design engineer with a specific interest in seeking practical solutions around mechanical systems. The graduate programme gives you a challenging opportunity to design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production, under the supervision of a senior design engineer.
The Position at a Glance
🏛️ Organisation: CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research
🏗️ Group: MME, within the Engineering Department (EN), Design Office
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
🎯 Field of work: Mechanical Engineering
🔖 Job reference: EN-MME-MD-2026-250-GRAE
🧭 Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer
📑 Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum
🕘 Working hours: 40 hours per week
🏠 Job flexibility: Fully onsite
🗓️ Target start date: 01 February 2027
💶 Monthly net stipend: CHF 5,266 or 5,793 depending on your degree
⏰ Closing date: 23 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
The MME Group and the Design Office
The mandate of the MME group, within the Engineering Department (EN), is to provide to the CERN community specific engineering solutions combining mechanical design, fabrication and material sciences. Historically the group maintains and develops the know-how on the mechanical construction of beam accelerator components and physics detectors.
You will join the Design Office that is in charge of mechanical design of components required for CERN's accelerator and detectors, comprising many high-tech equipment such as superconducting magnets and cavities, vacuum systems and instrumentation.
What the Team Offers
🤝 A collaborative and innovative work environment.
📈 Opportunities for professional growth and development.
🛠️ Access to the latest tools and technologies.
🌟 Supportive team culture focused on achieving excellence.
Your Responsibilities
⚙️ Design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept to production.
📐 Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using CATIA V5, adhering to ISO GPS norms.
🧮 Carry out simple structural analysis and numerical calculations.
👥 Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the group, material science, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
🔄 Continuously improve designs based on feedback and testing results.
🔍 Participate in problem-solving and troubleshooting activities related to design and production issues.
🗃️ Maintain accurate documentation of designs, modifications, and project progress.
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The Profile CERN Is Looking For
🧰 Initial experience in mechanical design and development of mechanical components or assemblies.
🖥️ Knowledge of 3D CAD modelling and 2D technical drafting, preferably using CATIA V5.
📖 Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including materials, manufacturing processes and mechanical behaviour of structures.
Skills You Should Bring
💾 Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA V5 for creating 3D & 2D drawings.
📏 Strong understanding of ISO GPS norms and their application in mechanical design.
🔩 Practical knowledge of mechanics and mechanical systems.
🌐 Ability to learn new languages (French / English).
🇬🇧 Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility Criteria
🛂 You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
🎓 By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
🔁 You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
🚫 Applicants without a university degree are not eligible.
🚫 Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.
Benefits and Conditions
💶 A monthly net stipend of either 5,266 or 5,793 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
🏖️ 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
🩺 Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
👨👩👧 Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
🧳 A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
⏳ Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
🎓 On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
If you need help preparing your CV, see our guide to the Europass CV.
About CERN
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, the frontiers of science and technology are pushed every day. The work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields, in an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
Teams face new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. CERN describes diversity as a core value since its foundation, central to its mission and continued success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CERN Mechanical Design Engineer position pay?
The position pays a monthly net stipend of either 5,266 or 5,793 Swiss Francs, depending on your degree. It also includes 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
How long is the contract?
The contract lasts 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. The target start date is 01 February 2027, and the working week is 40 hours.
Who can apply?
You must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, with a Bachelor's or Master's degree as your highest qualification and a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Who is not eligible?
Applicants without a university degree, applicants with a PhD, and anyone who has had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before are not eligible.
Is the job on site or remote?
The job is listed as fully onsite, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Which software and languages are expected?
The role calls for 3D CAD modelling and 2D technical drafting, preferably in CATIA V5, with knowledge of ISO GPS norms. You need spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Find more roles like this on Youth Works Hub's jobs page.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
Link
Application: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/CERN/744000159314751-mechanical-design-engineer-en-mme-md-2026-250-grae-
CERN Careers: https://careers.cern/
