Nuclear and mechanical maintenance engineer – radioisotope production
Permanent position
Core mission
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for scientific research using neutrons. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research.
This position will give you the opportunity to play a part in one of the ILL’s strategic projects: the commissioning and operation of the future hot cell dedicated to the production of radioisotopes for medical research, in particular for the development of cancer treatments.
As a member of the “Reactor block, Fuel & Sources” group, which is part of the Mechanical Engineering Service within the ILL’s Reactor Division, you will be involved in both radioisotope production activities and technical and maintenance projects for high-flux reactor equipment. This dual role will allow you to develop a broad range of expertise, encompassing the operation of nuclear installations, technical coordination and project management.
Your tasks
Reporting to the Head of the “Reactor block, Fuel & Sources” group, you will work in two main areas: radioisotope production and providing support for maintenance activities and new technical projects within the group.
Activities relating to radioisotopes
Your profile
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for scientific research using neutrons. Every year, we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to the Institute to carry out world-class research.
This position will give you the opportunity to play a part in one of the ILL’s strategic projects: the commissioning and operation of the future hot cell dedicated to the production of radioisotopes for medical research, in particular for the development of cancer treatments.
As a member of the “Reactor block, Fuel & Sources” group, which is part of the Mechanical Engineering Service within the ILL’s Reactor Division, you will be involved in both radioisotope production activities and technical and maintenance projects for high-flux reactor equipment. This dual role will allow you to develop a broad range of expertise, encompassing the operation of nuclear installations, technical coordination and project management.
Your tasks
Reporting to the Head of the “Reactor block, Fuel & Sources” group, you will work in two main areas: radioisotope production and providing support for maintenance activities and new technical projects within the group.
Activities relating to radioisotopes
• Coordinating radioisotope production activities and liaising with external partners (international radiochemical laboratories)
• Monitoring orders, maintenance work and periodic tests for the irradiation shuttles
• Organising the preparation of irradiation campaigns (documentation management, activation calculations)
• Participating in the project to design and commission the new hot cell.
Activities relating to the reactor block and maintenance
• Assisting with the drafting of procedures and the monitoring of maintenance work
• Scheduling, monitoring, and updating information on maintenance work in the ILL’s in-house CMMS software
• Contributing to projects for the design, refurbishment or replacement of technical equipment
• Drafting technical specifications and monitoring design studies, procurement and on-site assembly
• Participating in the organisation of calls for tenders and supplier selection
• Updating the internal regulatory documents relating to the reactor.
• Monitoring orders, maintenance work and periodic tests for the irradiation shuttles
• Organising the preparation of irradiation campaigns (documentation management, activation calculations)
• Participating in the project to design and commission the new hot cell.
Activities relating to the reactor block and maintenance
• Assisting with the drafting of procedures and the monitoring of maintenance work
• Scheduling, monitoring, and updating information on maintenance work in the ILL’s in-house CMMS software
• Contributing to projects for the design, refurbishment or replacement of technical equipment
• Drafting technical specifications and monitoring design studies, procurement and on-site assembly
• Participating in the organisation of calls for tenders and supplier selection
• Updating the internal regulatory documents relating to the reactor.
Your profile
• Level 7 qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in mechanical design, nuclear engineering.
• Proven experience in the maintenance of technical equipment, ideally in the nuclear sector or in an environment subject to stringent quality assurance requirements.
• Knowledge of mechanical design (structures, skids, tools, etc.).
• Proficiency in or a working knowledge of design and construction codes (CODAP, RCC-MRx, RCC-M).
• Skills in physical measurements and instrumentation.
• Excellent writing skills, particularly in French (drafting of procedures, technical specifications, reports). A good knowledge of English would be appreciated.
• Interpersonal skills: you must be able to collaborate with maintenance teams, suppliers and inspection bodies during the various project phases.
• Proven experience in the maintenance of technical equipment, ideally in the nuclear sector or in an environment subject to stringent quality assurance requirements.
• Knowledge of mechanical design (structures, skids, tools, etc.).
• Proficiency in or a working knowledge of design and construction codes (CODAP, RCC-MRx, RCC-M).
• Skills in physical measurements and instrumentation.
• Excellent writing skills, particularly in French (drafting of procedures, technical specifications, reports). A good knowledge of English would be appreciated.
• Interpersonal skills: you must be able to collaborate with maintenance teams, suppliers and inspection bodies during the various project phases.
What we offer |
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Quality of life This position is based in Grenoble, a hub for research and technology, ideally located in the heart of the French Alps (just 3 hours from Paris/Provence by train, 1 hour from Lyon international airport and 1 ½ hours from Geneva). It is important for us that our staff achieve a healthy work-life balance. We therefore offer home working (under certain conditions), generous annual paid leave entitlement and a host of other benefits that you will discover when you arrive! |
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Prospects We guarantee you a secure permanent position based in Grenoble in a multicultural scientific environment. |
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Benefits We offer generous social benefits (expatriation allowance, excellent health cover), moving and relocation assistance (under certain conditions) and an annual productivity bonus. We also offer language courses for you and your partner and subsidies for the use of public transport and the staff canteen, as well as for holidays and a variety of cultural and sports activities. For more details, visit https://www.ill.eu/careers/working-at-the-ill/employment-conditions |
Sounds interesting?
Then why not take your next career step with us by applying online - preferably in English - via our career portal by 16.11.2025, quoting reference number 25/61. Please note that all applicants are subject to administrative screening (background checks). For this post, medical fitness (including for work under ionising radiation) is required. We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Please note that the final round of interviews for this post will take place during the week of 15 December.
Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) - operates Europe‘s leading research facility for basic research with neutrons in Grenoble (France). The passion for progress and technology unites us and makes innovation in science and research possible every day. Let‘s work together to change our society and our world for the better.
