Mechanical maintenance technician (reactor block) – 2 vacancies
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.
If successful, you will join the “Reactor Block, Fuel & Sources” group, where you will be responsible, along with other technicians, for the operation and maintenance of the equipment that makes up the reactor vessel (also known as the “reactor block”), i.e. the mechanical structures inside the reactor (safety rods, control rod, neutron beam tubes, in-pile experimental instruments) and the associated equipment (gaseous decay tank, vacuum pumping systems, etc.).
Your tasks
Working within this group, you will have the following main duties:
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.
If successful, you will join the “Reactor Block, Fuel & Sources” group, where you will be responsible, along with other technicians, for the operation and maintenance of the equipment that makes up the reactor vessel (also known as the “reactor block”), i.e. the mechanical structures inside the reactor (safety rods, control rod, neutron beam tubes, in-pile experimental instruments) and the associated equipment (gaseous decay tank, vacuum pumping systems, etc.).
Your tasks
Working within this group, you will have the following main duties:
• Changing the samples on the experimental instruments inside the reactor block (changing radioactive sources inside a beam tube).
• Preparing and performing maintenance operations on mechanical equipment in a radioactive environment.
• Performing periodic testing and maintenance work on existing process installations.
• Designing and implementing improvements to the equipment and to the tools used for maintenance operations.
• Monitoring work carried out by subcontractors.
• Drafting procedures, technical specifications, reports, etc.
• Assisting on an occasional basis with the operation of the other equipment under the group’s responsibility.
• Preparing and performing maintenance operations on mechanical equipment in a radioactive environment.
• Performing periodic testing and maintenance work on existing process installations.
• Designing and implementing improvements to the equipment and to the tools used for maintenance operations.
• Monitoring work carried out by subcontractors.
• Drafting procedures, technical specifications, reports, etc.
• Assisting on an occasional basis with the operation of the other equipment under the group’s responsibility.
Your profile
• Level 4 or Level 5 qualification (BTEC HNC/HND or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or industrial maintenance (or other relevant field).
• “Hands-on” approach and a very high level of autonomy.
• Practical experience in the maintenance of mechanical equipment in nuclear installations would be an advantage.
• Ability to read and interpret process and instrumentation (PID) diagrams in order to understand the functioning of existing process installations.
• Excellent writing skills (for the drafting of procedures, technical specifications, technical reports).
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Team spirit, versatility and the ability to show initiative.
• “Hands-on” approach and a very high level of autonomy.
• Practical experience in the maintenance of mechanical equipment in nuclear installations would be an advantage.
• Ability to read and interpret process and instrumentation (PID) diagrams in order to understand the functioning of existing process installations.
• Excellent writing skills (for the drafting of procedures, technical specifications, technical reports).
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Team spirit, versatility and the ability to show initiative.
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 15.02.2026, quoting reference number 26/03. 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 will take place during the week of 16 March.
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.
