Hazardous Material Decontamination Engineer

About the role

In this position, you will play a crucial role in managing hazardous material decontamination efforts and civil engineering projects throughout CERN's facilities, including its extensive underground infrastructure. Your responsibilities will involve careful planning, coordination, and oversight of various interventions, ensuring that all operations are conducted safely and in compliance with regulations. You will collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and contractors, balancing technical coordination with hands-on project management. This role is situated within the Civil Engineering section of the Site Asset Management Group.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary contact for all pollutant-related activities within the SCE-SAM group, overseeing the decontamination of hazardous materials at CERN.
• Manage contracts related to hazardous substance decontamination, ensuring adherence to budget, quality standards, timelines, and safety protocols while handling financial variations and claims with contractors.
• Act as the civil engineering section's representative for projects within technical galleries and the Proton Synchrotron complex.
• Oversee the various phases of project design, including preliminary assessments, concept development, detailed project design, obtaining building permits, and preparing technical specifications for tenders and execution.
• Plan and supervise the execution of construction and renovation projects, coordinating multiple trades, utilizing service contracts, and managing all aspects of contracts, including leading site meetings and monitoring project metrics until final acceptance.
• Ensure that all work complies with safety and environmental regulations, fostering a culture of safety on-site.
• Regularly document and report on project activities, maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.
• Engage in hands-on follow-up during on-site activities to ensure the successful implementation of project plans.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or equivalent experience in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Certification as a pollutant removal specialist, compliant with Swiss regulations and registered with SUVA, along with ideally holding a valid certification in "SS3 Technical Management" as per French regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in executing or supervising hazardous substance decontamination projects.
• Proven civil engineering experience in the maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructure.
• Experience in coordinating multi-technical trades across various projects.
• Familiarity with large-scale industrial or scientific sites is advantageous.
• Experience in building construction or renovation projects is a plus.
• Background in concrete and steel structure works would be beneficial.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of hazardous materials response operations.
• Familiarity with building construction, consolidation, and renovation processes.
• Skills in contract management and oversight.
• Strong organizational, planning, and control capabilities.
• Experience in cost and schedule management.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in spoken and written French, with a commitment to learning English.
• Strong communication skills, particularly in negotiation and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage self effectively, demonstrating initiative and flexibility in task management.
• A structured approach to achieving results, with the capability to prioritize and plan tasks effectively.

Practical notes

• This position requires work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving license is necessary, as well as the ability to work during nights, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• The role involves exposure to hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, as well as potential carcinogens and radiation.
• Candidates must obtain medical clearance due to the occupational health risks associated with this role.
• The job grade for this position is 6-7, and the reference number is SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD.

Employment Conditions

• This is a limited-duration contract for three years, with the possibility of extension up to eight years and eligibility for an indefinite contract.
• The position entails a standard working week of 40 hours.
• The salary is competitive and tax-free, increasing with relevant experience.
• Employees receive 30 days of paid leave annually, plus an additional two weeks of annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage is provided for employees and their families, along with membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
• Additional allowances for family, children, and relocation may be available based on individual circumstances.

Overview of CERN

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are at the forefront of scientific discovery, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology. Our diverse team of physicists, engineers, and professionals from various fields collaborates to tackle complex challenges and contribute to groundbreaking research. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every contribution is valued. If you are eager to be part of a dynamic community dedicated to exploring the fundamental nature of the universe, CERN is the ideal place for you to thrive. Join us in our mission to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos!