Software 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. With a mission to explore the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and the organization is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position at CERN involves contributing to the maintenance and evolution of the existing software infrastructure, particularly focusing on enhancing C++, Qt, and Python modules that are crucial for the daily operations of CERN's Surveying teams. The role requires a proactive approach to investigating and resolving software issues reported by users, providing timely feedback, and coordinating development activities with supervisors based on current priorities. The engineer will also be responsible for refactoring and updating legacy systems to improve scalability, performance, and robustness while ensuring compatibility with existing workflows. Additionally, the role includes developing and deploying Python-based calculation and data visualization scripts on the existing user platform, designing and optimizing libraries and APIs for seamless integration across different computing platforms within CERN's IT and control systems infrastructure, and contributing to the consolidation of the AGILE-based development workflow using industry-standard tools such as Jira and Git. Strengthening the continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines implemented in GitLab is also a key aspect of this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software Engineer include:

• Investigating and resolving software issues reported by users, providing timely feedback, and coordinating development activities with supervisors.
• Refactoring and updating legacy systems to improve scalability, performance, and robustness while ensuring compatibility with existing workflows.
• Developing and deploying Python-based calculation and data visualization scripts on the existing user platform.
• Designing, developing, and optimizing libraries and APIs for seamless integration across different computing platforms within CERN's IT and control systems infrastructure.
• Contributing to the consolidation of the AGILE-based development workflow through the use of industry-standard tools such as Jira and Git.
• Strengthening the continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines implemented in GitLab.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and project alignment.
• Writing effective unit tests and ensuring code quality through rigorous testing practices.
• Demonstrating autonomy and initiative in managing tasks independently while maintaining high standards.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Software Engineer position include:

• Experience in C++ and Python, with a focus on developing and maintaining complex software modules.
• Ability to refactor and modernize legacy code, with a strong emphasis on performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Proficiency in debugging and troubleshooting software issues in live environments.
• Experience working in an AGILE-based development process, utilizing tools like Jira for task tracking and Git for version control.
• Familiarity with the Qt framework is highly beneficial, especially for GUI development.
• Basic proficiency in HTML and JavaScript for web-related tasks or integrations.
• Solid understanding of version control systems, particularly Git, and experience with CI/CD workflows.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration within a development team and with end users or stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Information Technology or a related field. The highest educational qualification should be either a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Applicants without a university degree are not eligible, and those with a PhD are also not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. Candidates should have relevant experience in software development, particularly in C++ and Python, and should be able to demonstrate their ability to work on complex software modules and projects.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a commitment to learn French being a plus. Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is required, as effective communication is essential in this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 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 the position is 01-March-202

• The job reference is BE-GM-APC-2025-252-GRAE, and the field of work is Software Engineering and IT. The benchmark job code is 200020 - Computing Engineer. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging between 5196 and 5716 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, employees receive 30 days of paid leave per year and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.