Vacuum Deposition Technician
Permanent position
Core mission
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for fundamental research using neutrons. Every year we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to carry out world-class research.
Within the Neutron Optics Service of the ILL’s Projects and Techniques Division, you will join the Multilayers group, a four-person team that provides technical support for the ILL’s scientific instruments. You will be involved in the production of multilayer mirrors by vacuum deposition and in the provision of neutron optical components.
Your tasks
Under the supervision of an engineer, and in collaboration with other technicians in the group, your main duties will be to:
Your profile
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), situated in Grenoble, France, is Europe's leading research facility for fundamental research using neutrons. Every year we host over 2000 visits by scientists, who come to carry out world-class research.
Within the Neutron Optics Service of the ILL’s Projects and Techniques Division, you will join the Multilayers group, a four-person team that provides technical support for the ILL’s scientific instruments. You will be involved in the production of multilayer mirrors by vacuum deposition and in the provision of neutron optical components.
Your tasks
Under the supervision of an engineer, and in collaboration with other technicians in the group, your main duties will be to:
• Produce mirrors using an automated thin-film deposition machine developed in-house; ensure process traceability by recording the parameters for each deposition run; troubleshoot and correct process problems and deviations by characterising the mirrors produced.
• Perform maintenance and continuous improvement of the machine.
You will also have the following tasks:
• Contribute to the design, assembly and integration of optical components.
• Contribute to technical developments aimed at improving the manufacturing processes, the deposition machines, the characterisation methods used and the optical components produced.
• Perform maintenance and continuous improvement of the machine.
You will also have the following tasks:
• Contribute to the design, assembly and integration of optical components.
• Contribute to technical developments aimed at improving the manufacturing processes, the deposition machines, the characterisation methods used and the optical components produced.
Your profile
• You have a Level 6 qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a technical field relevant to the position, preferably mechanical, production or materials engineering.
• You have a strong background in mechanics (design, assembly, special-purpose machines, possibly some basic machining skills) and a “hands-on” approach. Ensuring production on a daily basis is a source of motivation for you.
• Whether you have professional experience or not, you are capable of working independently in your area of expertise and are passionate about technical challenges and innovation. You are keen to acquire new skills through internal and external training in a stable professional environment.
• You are familiar with or interested in learning about the following: precision mechanics, vacuum techniques (in particular high-vacuum plasma deposition), electrical engineering, magnetism, automation, IT tools, optics, physical chemistry of materials at the nanoscale, etc.
• You are meticulous and reliable and are able to work both independently and as part of a team while complying with regulatory requirements and safety standards (e.g. protective equipment).
• You have a strong background in mechanics (design, assembly, special-purpose machines, possibly some basic machining skills) and a “hands-on” approach. Ensuring production on a daily basis is a source of motivation for you.
• Whether you have professional experience or not, you are capable of working independently in your area of expertise and are passionate about technical challenges and innovation. You are keen to acquire new skills through internal and external training in a stable professional environment.
• You are familiar with or interested in learning about the following: precision mechanics, vacuum techniques (in particular high-vacuum plasma deposition), electrical engineering, magnetism, automation, IT tools, optics, physical chemistry of materials at the nanoscale, etc.
• You are meticulous and reliable and are able to work both independently and as part of a team while complying with regulatory requirements and safety standards (e.g. protective equipment).
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 information, please 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 29/03/2026, quoting reference number 26/11. 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.
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.
