Through a series of portraits, SOLEIL introduces the people who make the synchrotron what it is. In this fifth installment, François Trias steps into the spotlight. Hired over two years ago as part of SOLEIL II—the facility’s major upgrade project—this engineer had never imagined working at such a cutting-edge research infrastructure. And yet. With decades of experience in the industrial sector, François Trias now brings a complementary and holistic perspective to the challenges of his field. Far from being intimidated by an unfamiliar environment, he quickly grew to enjoy his new responsibilities and the workplace atmosphere. Here’s his story.
As an engineer, François Trias has had the opportunity to explore many sectors: pharmaceuticals, thermal and nuclear energy, refining, aerospace, papermaking... A rich career spanning more than 30 years in industry before joining SOLEIL in 2023, marking a transition to the world of research. His main mission? Preparing the SOLEIL II construction project—a major modernization effort for the synchrotron. A career shift that was “unexpected but rewarding” for the seasoned engineer.
A career in industry
Holding a DUT in mechanical engineering from IUT Toulon and an engineering degree from CESI in Évry, François began his career in a design office before joining 3M France, a multinational company known for its innovative products such as office tools, healthcare products, adhesives, and reflective films.
"I worked in quality support for road signage manufacturers for several years, and then I seized an opportunity at Delattre Levivier, a company specializing in industrial maintenance and metal construction. I moved out of the Paris area to become nuclear quality manager for the southeast region" he recounts. Major clients included EDF and CEA.
“All these experiences across various sectors greatly enriched my industrial background, both in maintenance and project management.”
After a merger, Delattre Levivier became Endel in 2001, which was later acquired by GDF Suez in 2007 and became part of the ENGIE Group. During this time, François progressed into increasingly operational roles, managing both maintenance and new works projects.
“I notably served as a project manager for the construction of storage tanks, a role I really enjoyed" he recalls. “All these experiences across various sectors greatly enriched my industrial background, both in maintenance and project management.”
By the late 2010s, François moved into a more functional role, overseeing operational resource planning, managing over 350 people plus additional temporary and subcontracted personnel.
“I supported maintenance contracts and construction projects while working closely with project managers to help them prepare their worksites.” he explains. “This gave me a broad and early-stage view of the projects. My operational experience was especially valuable in understanding project challenges—staffing needs, logistics, preparation, risk assessment, planning, changes, and execution tracking—all key aspects of project engineering” he says.
Supporting SOLEIL's Modernization
Following a reorganization at Endel ENGIE, François returned to project planning.
“That’s how I ended up at SOLEIL.” he says. “The engineering firm I was working with told me about the position. I was looking for a new job where I could apply my industrial experience. It was a perfect fit!”
On a day-to-day basis, François spends a good amount of time working on his computer to develop scenarios for assembly, workflow, and planning.
François joined SOLEIL on a fixed-term contract to work on SOLEIL II—the synchrotron’s upgrade project. Starting in 2028, the facility will be shut down to replace particle accelerator components and modernize beamlines. For 18 months, the synchrotron building will become a large construction site with many concurrent activities requiring careful coordination. Operations will then resume alongside continued work on several beamlines.
“I was quickly offered a permanent position, as the project requires a long-term commitment” he explains.
As part of the SOLEIL II preparations, François is involved in planning the disassembly and reinstallation of the accelerators and beamlines.
“This includes defining the disassembly and reassembly procedures, identifying handling and tooling needs, compiling technical requirements for storage and packaging, developing routes and logistics flows with safety in mind, managing interfaces, and proposing an optimized schedule” he lists.
“I’m in contact with many stakeholders in order to maintain a global view of the issues related to my field.”
He also contributes to drafting documents needed for various project management assistance contracts related to infrastructure works.
“I’m in contact with many stakeholders in order to maintain a global view of the issues related to my field,” says François. “It’s a unique project where I bring an industrial perspective to the world of research.”
No Regrets
On a day-to-day basis, François spends a good amount of time working on his computer to develop scenarios for assembly, workflow, and planning. He constantly researches and compiles useful data to support the various hypotheses for the SOLEIL II project.
This is followed by multidisciplinary meetings—valuable opportunities to engage with SOLEIL’s in-house experts—and more formal decision-making processes.
Was it difficult to leave behind 20 years at the same company?
“At first, discovering a new environment with a technical jargon all its own was a bit disorienting,” he admits. “I often give the example of ‘bellows,’ which I used to call ‘compensators’—they’re the same equipment, just with different names!”
Another challenge: giving presentations in English during workshops. “But I was quickly reassured by the kindness of the participants.” he adds.
“My job allows me to come to work each morning with enthusiasm.”
François has no regrets about his career shift: “My job allows me to come to work each morning with enthusiasm,” he says. “The team atmosphere is excellent, and I can say that with the perspective of a long professional career!”
Does he have any advice for those considering an engineering career?
“That’s a big question! If you’re not fond of routine, it’s a great path, as projects begin, develop, and end... and then you move on to something else, often with different environments and people. Each time, you grow.”
He also believes it’s essential to have a strong technical foundation and an open mind.
“Management roles often lead to hierarchical progression, which can take you further from the field. They also bring stress, which you need to be prepared for.” he cautions.
"Full Circle"
After work, François enjoys unwinding through sports—“though I do it less now because the body’s wearing out!” he jokes. Still, he’s not giving it up entirely. He now leans toward gentler activities like walking and hiking: “I love discovering new places and meeting new people,” he says.
He also enjoys gardening and DIY projects—two hobbies that help him “clear [his] mind and reconnect with nature.”
To reconnect with nature, there's nothing better than a gardening session!
Looking back on his career at the end of the interview, François reflects on the meaningful encounters that shaped his journey, whether by choice or circumstance.
He first mentions the southeast regional director at Endel ENGIE, who supported and trusted him during his early-career relocation in 1993. More recently, he credits Jean-François Lamarre, then head of the Machine Operations Group at SOLEIL, for “giving [him] such a warm welcome.”
And a special mention goes to his engineering thesis advisor—a CNRS research director and solar energy specialist: “It feels like everything’s come full circle with SOLEIL—forty years later!” he smiles.
Perhaps François was destined for the synchrotron all along!
François Trias' mini biography
1984: DUT in Mechanical Engineering, University of Toulon, Toulon, France
1993: Engineering degree in Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance Technology, CESI, Évry, France
1993–2008: QPE Manager, Maintenance Contract Manager, then Operations Manager, Endel – Pierrelatte & Fos-sur-Mer, France
2008–2010: Project Manager, Endel, Port-de-Bouc, France
2010–2015: Contract Manager, Endel, GDF-Suez, Fos-sur-Mer, France
2015–2017: Operations Manager, Île-de-France, Endel ENGIE, Paris, France
2017–2022: Head of Operational Resource Planning, ENGIE Group, Paris, France
Since 2023: Methods, Logistics & Planning Engineer, SOLEIL Synchrotron, Saint-Aubin, France
In François’ garden
“In my garden, especially on spring evenings, I particularly enjoy the flowering arch of star jasmine. With its thousands of small white flowers, it gives off a sweet, delightful scent that reminds me of my southern roots and the peaceful warmth of pre-summer evenings. I often spend a few moments there after dinner, daydreaming while gazing at the sky and breathing in the jasmine fragrance.
Over the years and through many moves, I’ve always taken my aloe vera and agave plants with me—they bring a touch of warmth and spice to our region. I also grow aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, chives, and basil, which we use to flavor our meals—almost daily these days.”