Help operate one of Europe’s most advanced scientific facilities.
The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. ESS will soon be the world’s most powerful source of neutrons, providing researchers with unique opportunities to explore the structure of materials at the atomic level. Neutron scattering at ESS will address critical questions in physics, chemistry, geology, materials science and life science.
About the role:
We are looking to build up our team of Operators to join our Remote Handling (RH) Group. The RH Group plays a key role in operating, maintaining, and developing the equipment used for transferring and processing radioactive components and waste within the ESS Active Cells Facility (our environment for handling radioactive components safely) using specialised Cask Assemblies. You will work with highly specialised remote handling systems, heavy lifting equipment, Virtual Reality-supported operations, and complex electromechanical systems in a unique radioactive waste handling and maintenance environment.
If you enjoy complex technical challenges, hands-on engineering work, problem solving, and working with advanced equipment in a highly collaborative international environment, this role offers something genuinely different.
What you’ll do:
Our highly specialised remote handling systems are designed for environments where direct human access is impossible. As a Remote Handling Operator, you will help commission, prepare, operate, maintain, and develop the equipment used for transferring and processing radioactive components and waste - both manually and remotely - in one of the world’s most demanding engineering environments.
You will work with:
Telemanipulators and haptic robotic systems.
Remotely operated cranes and lifting systems.
Remote cutting and machining equipment.
Radioactive waste management using specialised transport containers for handling radioactive waste.
Camera-guided and VR-supported operations.
Various complex electromechanical systems.
Remote handling tooling and inspection devices.
Day to day, you will:
Provide technical support in preparing work procedures and risk assessments.
Support commissioning, testing, maintenance, and rebuilding activities.
Operate and maintain specialist remote handling equipment.
Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electromechanical systems.
Work closely with engineers to improve equipment reliability and maintainability.
Produce and update technical and maintenance documentation.
Support workshop and fabrication activities where required.
Contribute to safe operations within radiation-controlled environments.
Support planning activities for large-scale lifting and maintenance operations.
This is not a standard operator role. You will develop and operate systems designed for environments where direct human intervention is impossible. The work combines precision engineering, robotics, remote operations, maintenance strategy, heavy mechanical systems, and emerging technologies such as camera-guided and VR-supported operations.
ESS will provide extensive specialist training, including opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognised remote handling experts.
This position is a full-time, permanent role with a 6-month probationary period. It is based at the brand-new https://youtu.be/d5h4bIEfM5Q?si=W28A9wLAkYK3HOXJ.
About you:
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced engineering, robotics, heavy mechanical systems, camera-guided and VR-supported operations, and nuclear technology within one of Europe’s most advanced technical environments. We’re therefore looking for practical, motivated individuals who enjoy technical problem solving, teamwork, and hands-on engineering work in complex environments.
You should have:
At least 3 years of experience in an engineering or industrial technician/operator role.
Experience working within formal work control or regulated industrial environments.
Strong mechanical or electromechanical skills.
Experience working from engineering drawings and schematics.
Experience assembling, testing, commissioning, or maintaining industrial equipment.
Experience producing or following technical maintenance documentation.
Safe operation experience with workshop machinery and tools.
Good English communication skills, written and spoken.
Experience in any of the following would be an advantage:
Remote handling systems or robotics.
Nuclear, radioactive, offshore, aerospace, fusion, or other high-integrity industries.
Heavy lifting or crane operations.
PLC troubleshooting or controls systems.
Machining, fabrication, CNC, or wire saw operation.
VR-based tools or digital engineering environments.
To apply:
A career at ESS gives you the opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science at a stunning, brand-new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe. We offer market competitive, individualised compensation which is differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements as well as 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. Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-73309 in your application.
This role requires additional background screening processes and health and safety checks, which will be performed during the recruitment process.
For further information regarding the position, please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist Daniel Nordin Baker on mailto:Daniel.Nordin@ess.eu
For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nerusha Naicker on mailto:erusha.Naicker@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at mailto:marc.kickulies@ess.eu