Vacuum Engineer
**Reference**
2026-FIX-23
**Deadline**
22/05/2026
**Division**
Engineering
- Institution
ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating ten beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.
Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.
Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.
Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.
For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:
- Tasks
The two-fold mission to be accomplished in this position is the following:
- To take part on the design (from conceptual design to detailed design) of the synchrotron vacuum systems, including chambers, supports, pumps, sensors, valves and their integration with the control system; generation of specifications based on scientific needs, as well as writing of design reports and acceptance test reports
- The operation and maintenance of the existing vacuum and ultra high vacuum systems and scientific infrastructures of ALBA and ALBAII.
Specific tasks are:
- To contribute to the definition of the architecture (layout) and technical specifications of the vacuum systems that are part of the accelerator complex, carrying out the overall design and integration with the various subsystems.
- To prepare technical specifications for public tenders for the necessary procurement of equipment, goods, and services for the vacuum systems required for operation and new developments undertaken by the cross-section.
- To perform technical functions in the execution of vacuum projects during the design, manufacturing, installation, quality testing, and commissioning phases, interacting closely with internal and external scientific and engineering personnel.
- To perform or supervise calculations and simulations using finite element analysis (FEA) and/or specific vacuum tools such as Molflow+ and Synrad+.
- To manage and monitor project purchases with suppliers and the acquisition of equipment.
- To maintain and update technical documentation and engineering drawings. - Design and develop multidisciplinary vacuum systems using advanced CAD tools, identifying and providing innovative solutions to complex technical problems and generating the corresponding manufacturing documentation.
- To actively support the Vacuum Group Leader in the proper operation and maintenance of the vacuum laboratory (cleanroom) and the vacuum equipment warehouse, in accordance with ALBA standards.
- To give support to other groups and divisions (Experiments Division and Accelerator Division) in the development of devices and systems that incorporate vacuum, as well as in the operation and maintenance of the vacuum systems of the beamlines and accelerators, addressing incidents and defining and executing the necessary preventive and corrective maintenance at the engineering level.
- Requirements
Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.
- Selection Process Development
The selection will be carried out through the competition-opposition system.
As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.
The assessment of the CV in the competition phase will be scored up to 40 points, which will consider the following aspects:
- Training/experience as a "Mechanical project engineer" in the roles of designer of vacuum components or magnetic devices. Up to 10 points.
- Trai