Vacature Vacuum and Cryogenics Engineer ETpathfinder

Vacuum and Cryogenics Engineer ETpathfinder in Maastricht

Welcome to Maastricht University!

Are you an enthusiastic vacuum and cryogenics engineer with a broad interest in physics in general, and in gravitational wave detection, the Einstein Telescope, and ETpathfinder in particular? Do you enjoy working in an international highly collaborative environment? Then we just may have the right opportunity for you!

Vacuum and Cryogenics Engineer ETpathfinder

The Department of Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics (GWFP;www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/gravitational-waves-and-fundamental-physics)at Maastricht University currently consists of ca. 40 full time assistant, associate and full professors, post-docs and PhD students, and further growth is expected. GWFP members are part of large international collaborations like the Einstein Telescope collaboration, the Virgo collaboration, the LIGO scientific collaboration, or the LHCb collaboration at CERN. GWFP is also a full member of NIKHEF, the Dutch national Institute for subatomic particles. One of the key activities of the department is the construction and development of ETpathfinder, a test facility for the Einstein Telescope. The project is led by Maastricht University and involves more than 20 partner institutions from 8 European countries.

We are looking for a vacuum and cryogenics engineer, as part of a design study team for further development of the ETpathfinder.

The role

As vacuum and cryogenics engineer you will work on the further development and expansion of the ETpathfinder. You will do this in close collaboration with the team in Maastricht, as well as with the department of Mechanical Technology at Nikhef.

Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities include:

• Development of new designs, and integration and revision of existing designs for ETpathfinder, with a special focus on vacuum and cryogenics.
• Support (where appropriate) the existing engineering team with their current ETpathfinder related work.

What you bring

You are an enthusiastic engineer with a broad interest in physics, who communicates well and moves easily in an international environment. You effortlessly publish and present in English, and you have:

• A technical BSc or MSc degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline;
• Practical experience in the fields of vacuum and cryogenics;
• Experience with 3D CAD and analysis tools;
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience;
• An entrepreneurial, creative and innovative attitude;
• Experience with both independent and team work;
• Good knowledge of English is essential; working proficiency in Dutch is a plus.

What we offer

As vacuum and cryogenics engineer at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A 24-month contract of 0.8-1.0 fte. The position will be based in Maastricht.
• A gross monthly salary between €3546,00 and €5538,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home if your job allows it.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)

FSE is a young, rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society converge. We combine STEM and social sciences in innovative programmes such as Data Science, Circular Engineering, and Systems Biology. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

Interested?

Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Prof. Stefan Hild at [email protected] You can also apply directly using the button below. The end date of the publication is 6th May 2026.

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.