Software Engineer for Distributed Storage

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading laboratory for particle physics established in 195

• It employs thousands of physicists and engineers who are dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe. CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking research and development in the field of particle physics, including the creation of the World Wide Web. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer for Distributed Storage will work within the Storage and Data Management Group at CERN's IT Department, focusing on the evolution of data storage systems used at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its international partners. This role is crucial for developing and operating next-generation storage solutions that cater to high-energy physics experiments. The engineer will be involved in optimizing exabyte-scale storage infrastructure and refining application stacks for Grid Computing and High-Performance Computing (HPC) workloads. The position requires collaboration with various technologies, including software-defined disk storage and large-scale data management, to ensure reliable data services for CERN's scientific activities. The successful candidate will contribute to the continuous evolution of CERN's storage systems, which currently manage over 1 exabyte of disk storage and deliver more than 8 exabytes of data annually.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Software Engineer for Distributed Storage, the individual will participate in core development and operation activities, which include:

• Developing distributed disk storage systems that are essential for data collection and analysis.
• Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining large-scale, geographically distributed disk storage systems.
• Contributing to the documentation, optimization, and automation of storage services to enhance efficiency.
• Evolving the architecture and design of distributed storage services to meet the growing demands of experiments.
• Engaging in change management, incident response, and providing user support to ensure seamless operations.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders both within and outside the IT department to align storage solutions with organizational needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field, or have equivalent relevant experience. They should demonstrate extensive programming experience in C/C++, Python, and Shell/Bash, as well as operational experience with large-scale production deployments. A strong understanding of the design and architecture of large-scale distributed services is essential, along with advanced knowledge of Linux environments, automation software, and monitoring tools. Familiarity with physical, virtual, and container-based infrastructure management is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should include a strong foundation in computer science principles, programming, and systems engineering.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated practical experience in the relevant fields, particularly in programming, system design, and operational management of large-scale distributed services. Experience in deploying and maintaining production systems is crucial, as is familiarity with advanced Linux environments and automation tools. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working on complex projects that require innovative problem-solving and collaboration.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learning French considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration within the diverse CERN community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role includes participation in a regular stand-by duty, which may involve nights, Sundays, and official holidays. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is IT-SD-PDS-2025-161-LD.