Computing Operations Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from around the world, fostering a collaborative environment that spans multiple countries. The organization operates numerous facilities and experiments, including the Large Hadron Collider, which is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe by studying the basic constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions. Diversity and inclusion are core values at CERN, and the organization is committed to employing a diverse workforce to enhance its scientific endeavors.

Job Overview:
As a Computing Operations Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. This position involves ensuring that computing jobs across the globe have fast and reliable access to the detector's conditions. You will manage detailed information from over 100 million detector channels, which includes operational settings and component alignment, all stored in a central database. The CMS collaboration utilizes a system called Frontier, which converts database queries into web requests and caches results across a network of servers to deliver data efficiently. Your work will be pivotal in maintaining the infrastructure that supports this complex system, ensuring that scientists and engineers can access the data they need for their research.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In this role, your primary responsibilities will include operating and maintaining the central Frontier infrastructure at CERN. You will support the distributed Frontier/launchpad system that spans the global CMS computing network. Additionally, you will take responsibility for the glideinWMS Factory, which is essential for CMS's worldwide job-submission infrastructure. This will require you to monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the computing operations. You will also collaborate with other teams to ensure seamless integration of systems and provide technical support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, you must have a background in programming, service management, and administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration. Experience in software development and code design is essential, along with familiarity with HTTP and Apache installations, which is a plus. You should possess basic DevOps knowledge and be proficient in Linux management and system administration. Knowledge of Oracle Database, Python, shell scripting, and SQL is also desirable. Additionally, experience with computing on GRID/CLOUD batch systems and high throughput is a plus. Strong spoken and written English skills are required, and a commitment to learning French is expected.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. It is important to note that applicants without a university degree are not eligible for this position, nor are those who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Furthermore, applicants with a PhD are also not eligible.

Experience:
You should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in your relevant field. This experience should be directly related to the responsibilities of the Computing Operations Engineer role, demonstrating your ability to manage and operate complex computing systems effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While not required, a commitment to learning French is highly encouraged, as it will enhance your ability to communicate within the diverse environment at CERN.

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 a hybrid flexibility model. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is EP-CMO-2025-221-GRAE. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5196 to 5716 Swiss Francs (net of tax), along with coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for you and your family. Additional benefits may include an installation grant, family allowances, and travel expense coverage at the beginning and end of the contract. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and there will be opportunities for on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.