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:

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 are now looking for a talented and visionary Mechanical Design Engineer who wants to play a pivotal role in conceiving, configuring, and deploying cutting-edge detector systems for our VESPA instrument.

VESPA is a neutron vibrational spectrometer and will be used in an extremely wide range of chemistry, physics and materials science as well as their applications. VESPA will access scientific domains out of reach for the other ESS instruments. You can read more about our VESPA instrument here.

In this diverse but challenging role, you'll be responsible for the end-to-end process of detector system development, from conception to commissioning. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that all design efforts adhere to best practices, safety directives, and professional standards while meticulously documenting every step along the way. Your responsibilities will encompass the entire mechanical design lifecycle, from concept to production, utilising industry-leading tools such as CATIA V6, CHESS, and ANSYS suites. Quality control is paramount, and you'll diligently follow up on manufacturing and delivery processes, conducting FAT tests to guarantee adherence to specifications. You will oversee installation and SAT activities, validating performance against technical requirements to ensure the successful deployment of detector systems.

Collaboration is a key element of this role. You'll have a unique opportunity to develop, enhance and nurture networks of suppliers, scientific collaborators and in-kind partners to support your actions. Additionally, you'll provide essential support to colleagues, lending your expertise to enhance our collective effort.

Finally, analysis methods will be a cornerstone of your work, as you evaluate and refine designs to optimise the performance of VESPA systems. You'll prepare technical documentation - including design reports, manufacturing specifications, and technical drawings - ensuring clarity and precision in every detail.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for a period of 3 years and is based at the ESS facility in Lund Sweden.

About you:

To thrive with us in the Mechanical Engineering 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 stuck in from day one. There is no shortage of tight deadlines and complex deliverables with this assignment!

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you will have a higher technical or University degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. Our ideal candidate will have excellent knowledge of both 2D and 3D modelling, tolerance and strength analysis, ISO GPS methodology and will be familiar with CATIA V5, V6 or 3D Experience. Additional knowledge of FEA packages such as ANSYS or Abaqus would be a unique advantage.

Our ideal candidate will bring prior experience in manufacturing processes and workshop environments. We need someone who can design mechanical components which fulfilling specific needs for vacuum systems and/or mechanisms in radiation environments. Previous professional experience on engineering work from other research facilities will be considered an asset.

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 are looking for a person who is good at self-management, self-prioritisation and reporting. You must be used to documenting and presenting your work. As a service-minded person, you should enjoy communicating and collaborating with others defining clear steps and deliverables. In this environment you need to have an inventive and adaptable attitude.

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.

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-44613 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu 

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on Mikael.Johansson@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!