Group Leader for Remote Handling Operations

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. Our goal is to become the brightest source of neutrons for science and technology and be operational by the end of this decade. A state-of-the-art suite of neutron scattering instruments will be made available to address a wide range of scientific fields in fundamental and materials science. Powered by the world's most advanced linear proton accelerator, ESS will enable cutting-edge research in materials science, energy, health, and the environment for decades to come.

Join us in shaping the future of science - from the ground up.

About the role:

As we continue our transition into Steady State Operations, ESS is now looking for a motivated and experienced Group Leader to head our Remote Handling Group. The Remote Handling Group has the responsibility for planning and executing the processing (e.g. sampling and size reduction) of spent Target Station components, remote collection of active target components using shielded transfer casks as well as handling the short-term storage of processed activated material. This is a key role within our Spallation Target Division. As such, you will both lead and coordinate the work within the Group. This will include the design, build, operation, maintenance and logistics of the active cells, casks assemblies and other auxiliary remote handling equipment within the ESS Target Station.

This hands-on technical and people leadership role requires a certified and experienced expert within the field of remotely operated radioactive waste handling infrastructure. You will be instrumental in leading the team responsible for transporting, handling and processing high level radioactive Target components, whilst also planning and implementing strategic initiatives for development, optimisation and safety compliance.

This is a full-time, permanent position which is based on-site at the ESS campus in Lund, Sweden.

Day-to-day, you will:

• Organise and lead the work of the group members, acting as the line manager for your team. This includes setting goals, leading performance evaluations, managing training programs, and hiring as needed to grow group capacity.
• Serve as the line manager for approximately 8 direct reports.
• Coordinate resource allocation to ensure required remote handling support can be delivered as needed.
• Foster a collaborative environment which provides support, guidance, and development opportunities for staff members.
• Lead and coordinate functions related to the handling and processing of radioactive target station components.
• Prepare and manage the budget for the Group and allocate resources based on project needs and organisational priorities.
• Provide expert engineering advice and guidance to ESS management, engineering teams, and external collaborators.
• Drive and coordinate contributions to ESS's SSM licensing process to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Promote open communication and contributing to the professional growth of team members through training and feedback.
• Ensure the right competencies are in place to support safe and efficient radioactive waste management operations.
• Manage/coordinate interfaces with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance.

About you:

To be considered for this role, you must have an advanced academic foundation in engineering, ideally with a master's level (or higher) degree in a relevant field such as mechanical, electrical, nuclear, or systems engineering – or an equivalent professional certification. You need to have significant, demonstrable experience working within technically demanding nuclear, high-radiation, or high-energy physics environments – preferably within multidisciplinary teams responsible for large-scale remote handling, robotics, and radioactive waste management solutions. A proven track record in the design, integration, and operational delivery of complex remote handling systems for critical infrastructure, including advanced hot cell facilities and manipulator technologies, is also essential for this role.

We are seeking an inspirational and dedicated leader with the ability to create an environment where all team members can experience success. As a skilled problem-solver, you should be someone who excels at managing day-to-day operations while planning strategically for the future. With experience in managing teams, handling contracts, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, you must be able to effectively balance immediate priorities with long-term goals. Your technical insight and leadership ability inspire those around you to deliver their best work in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.

As a Group Leader, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring that one of the world's foremost research facilities always operates to the highest standards. Strong interpersonal and communication skills define your approach to building highly functional teams, as they allow you to interact effectively with technical systems teams and management stakeholders. You therefore need to have the organisational mindset needed to contribute to – or develop – structured workflows and documentation to optimise operational processes.

The working language of ESS is English, but the ability to speak another European language would be an advantage.

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 . Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website. We review applications continuously and may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified, so submit your application as soon as you can - stating the job reference number ESD-72723 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

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Nuno Elias on or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at

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