Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. The organization employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. CERN's mission is to probe the fundamental structure of the universe, using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. The organization operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a diverse workforce that is integral to its success.

Job Overview:
The Physics Performance and Datasets (PPD) project of the CMS Experiment at CERN is focused on preparing data for physics analysis. This role involves working within a structured coordination area that is divided into six activity areas, which emphasize data monitoring, distribution, and bookkeeping. The PPD project utilizes a variety of workflows, applications, web services, databases, and libraries to achieve its objectives. As a Computing Engineer, you will gain exposure to advanced data operations, large-scale service availability, and complex workflows, which will provide you with significant experience in DevOps practices at the cutting edge of science and technology. Your role will require you to operate, maintain, and enhance multiple tools to ensure high service availability during data collection, monitoring, and analysis, while collaborating closely with CMS scientists and technical experts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Computing Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include: operating, maintaining, and improving various tools to ensure high service availability during data collection, monitoring, and analysis; working closely with CMS scientists of diverse technical backgrounds to support operations and assist with development; defining new feature requirements; collaborating with software, database, and IT experts to integrate tools sustainably with community support; consolidating infrastructure, technologies, and documentation to simplify and streamline operations, maintenance, and migrations; contributing to the technical design of new or upgraded tools and supporting their development and deployment as part of the technical support team.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must have a few years of experience following the completion of your MSc degree. You should possess strong programming skills, excellent knowledge of database management and operation, and a solid understanding of software management, continuous integration, and deployment. Proficiency in both Python and C++ is essential, along with Oracle Database knowledge. Familiarity with Machine Learning and High Energy Physics is considered a plus, although not mandatory. Strong team collaboration skills and effective communication abilities are also required, along with spoken and written English, and a commitment to learning French.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a professional background in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. You should hold either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. It is important to note that candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a few years of professional experience after completing their MSc degree. This experience should ideally be in a relevant field such as IT, Computer Science, or Engineering, demonstrating a solid foundation in programming and database management.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• The job reference is EP-CMO-2025-186-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Software Engineering and IT. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and membership in the CERN Pension Fund. Additional benefits may include installation grants, family allowances, and travel expense payments at the beginning and end of the contract. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, along with opportunities for on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.