Experimental Engineering Technician - Ref 1147

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, master’s students and PhD candidates following academic programmes based on the latest developments in science and technology and on best management practices.

As a member of the Groupe des Écoles Centrales (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selective students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has over 2,250 students, 500 staff members and 600 part-time lecturers.

Within the École Centrale de Nantes, the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (GeM) is a Joint Research Unit of Nantes University, Centrale Nantes and the CNRS. Its aim is to bring together within a single laboratory all the expertise of the Nantes-Saint-Nazaire metropolitan area in the fields of civil engineering, materials and process mechanics, and modelling and simulation in structural mechanics.

Job description:

We are looking for someone to carry out experimental analysis of hydro-chemical-mechanical phenomena in the context of geological CO₂ storage, on a four-month fixed-term contract.

Your main responsibilities will be as follows:

• Setting up experimental apparatus; defining, developing, testing and formalising protocols

• Designing and planning all or part of an experimental setup

• Sizing the experimental apparatus and drawing up technical specifications

• Drafting technical, design and implementation specifications for the experimental apparatus

• Finalise the qualification of the experimental apparatus, carry out tests and calibrations, and write operating procedures

• Coordinate the operation of the apparatus and conduct experiments

• Carry out, where necessary, data processing and analysis

• Organise and supervise preventive maintenance and troubleshooting operations

• Organise and manage relations with suppliers and manufacturers

Knowledge:

• Engineering techniques and sciences (mechanical, electronic and optical design, etc.) (in-depth knowledge)

• Physical sciences (in-depth knowledge)

• Experimental set-ups (in-depth knowledge)

• Professional environment and networks

• Written and oral presentation techniques

• English language: B1 to B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Operational skills:

• Use field-specific software

• Comply with the terms of use for experimental apparatus

• Apply quality assurance procedures

• Apply health and safety rules

Soft skills:

• Initiative

• Critical thinking

• Organisational skills

Technical skills:

• Design and implementation of experimental tests

• Image correlation

Required qualifications: You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical or optical engineering and/or physical measurement. Previous successful experience in one of these fields would be an advantage.

Nature of the role

• 4-month fixed-term contract – open to contract staff

• Full-time role – based in Nantes

• Category A – IGE

• Flexible working hours

• Adjustable working patterns (option to work a 4.5-day week)

• RTT + additional leave

• Compulsory health insurance & optional pension scheme

• Free parking

• 75% travel allowance

• Sustainable mobility allowance (if cycling or carpooling)

Remuneration: in accordance with the State civil service pay scales

Position to be filled: September 2026

HR Contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager Contact: Giulio SCIARRA

This advertisement refers to terms such as ‘candidate’, ‘engineer’, ‘manager’, etc. These titles are to be considered gender-neutral and apply equally to both men and women.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In line with our organisation’s CSR commitments, this role is open to all.