Instrument Operations Engineer for FREIA

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, state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a data management and software development centre. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

The ESS will be a user facility, welcoming researchers from around the world to perform experiments using the neutron instruments and associated facilities. We currently expect to have first neutron production in 2026 and welcome our first external users in 2027.

We are now looking for an Instrument Operations Engineer for the FREIA instrument. The position is with the Large Scale Structures Division.

About the division

The Large Scale Structures Division consists of the scientific staff that are leading the instrument construction projects and the staff that will eventually execute the day-to-day operations of five neutron instruments. The upcoming responsibilities of the division are

• Finalize installation of the instruments
• Plan and implement further developments and upgrades of the instruments
• Commissioning of the instruments, both with and without neutrons
• Deliver state-of-the-art scientific capabilities for internal and external users to enable the wider science community to advance science and technology

About the role

As an Instrument Operations Engineer you will:

• Join a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians aiming to prepare a neutron instrument for first user operation and beyond
• Collaborate closely with engineers and technicians in specialist disciplines at ESS

Between now and the start of commissioning with neutrons ("hot commissioning"):

• Prepare, execute, and document test plans for instrument components ("cold commissioning), working with the instrument scientist and engineer and in liaison with staff in specialist disciplines
• Support the instrument scientists in preparing safety documentation, including standard operating procedures and operations manuals for an instrument.
• Prepare for and participate in commissioning experiments at other facilities to test components for an instrument (e.g. testing of sample environment equipment)
• Participate in the mechanical design and realization of modifications to an instrument required during installation and testing

After the start of hot commissioning:

• Support the instrument scientists in preparing, executing and documenting testing of an instrument with neutrons ("hot commissioning")
• Plan, manage and/or execute scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the instrument
• Act as the system owner for an instrument, keeping the maintenance records and engineering documentation up to date with changes.
• Responsiblity for instrument specific components
• Coordination with specialized technology groups (Choppers, Detectors, Motion Control, etc.) and support teams (vacuum, rigging, survey and alignment)
• Working with operational groups (Hall Coordinators, ESH, Control Room Operators)
• Participate in the mechanical design and realization of upgrades for an instrument
• Support user experiments on the instrument by e.g. building mechanical and/or electrical support systems in the in-house workshop, and helping to set-up sample environments, this includes:
• Writing and Review of Experiment Hazard Analyses
• Providing assistance in sample mounting
• Setting up of instrument configurations
• Assisting in user experiments, including training users on instrument operations

About you

We are looking for a self-motivated person who is keen to support an instrument team in order to get it ready for first neutrons. You should be a 'hands-on' person and open to learn new things along the way. You will have:

• A bachelor's or masters degree in Engineering or the Physical Sciences, or equivalent technical experience
• Experience in the hands-on management of complex technical equipment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and technical staff
• Excellent oral and written English skills

Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand, eye and ear protection gear, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

It would be beneficial if you will also have:

• Experience with neutron scattering experiments
• Experience with the development, operation, and maintenance of complex scientific equipment
• Ability to perform simple mechanical design (CAD) and work with designers
• Experience in programming (python, Matlab, C++ or similar)
• Experience working in an international research environment

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're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, has excellent communication skills and who likes to collaborate with different people.

What ESS will offer

• an opportunity to contribute to the future of neutron science
• a workplace full of creative individuals and people from all over the world
• a challenging, exciting, and fast-paced work environment
• market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities, and achievements
• benefits including 30 days of annual leave as well as more than 10 days of public holidays and company days off or days with limited working hours, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on work-life balance.
• where applicable, relocation support and allowances may be available.

Duration & Location

The position is a 3 year fixed term role and the workplace will be situated in Lund, Sweden. Travelling is expected if the need arises.

Application & Contact

Please provide your curriculum vitae and cover letter in English . Note that we only accept applications via the ESS website or ESS intranet. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply through the intranet. We accept candidates into the recruitment process continuously, so please do not hesitate to apply. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Andrew Jackson, Head of Large Scale Structures Division,

For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Kathryn Quaak, HR Officer,

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

We look forward to receiving your application

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