Mechanical Engineer
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Geneva
Switzerland
January 15, 2026
Full-timeJanuary 15, 2026
Data Engineer
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) About
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. They use the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – the fundamental particles.
Job Description
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 uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates a range of complex scientific instruments and facilities, including the Large Hadron Collider, to study fundamental particles and their interactions. CERN is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for achieving its scientific goals.
Job Overview:
The Data Engineer position at CERN involves a critical role in the rebuilding of the organization's data platform. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing robust data pipelines, optimizing database queries, and integrating diverse data sources. This role requires collaboration with an agile team of talented software developers to contribute to application software for CERN's Corporate Information Systems. The engineer will work on developing a data hub using modern open-source technologies, ensuring high standards of software engineering practices, and leading cross-team technical initiatives. The position offers an opportunity to shape the future of data management at CERN, making it an exciting prospect for those passionate about data modeling and modern data architectures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Data Engineer include: collaborating in the design and implementation of a data hub using modern open-source technologies; being responsible for data hub development work packages from design to implementation; designing, implementing, and testing data pipelines for data ingestion and transformation across both streaming and batch data flows; developing data models and architectures, and converting data into relevant datamarts; participating in and leading cross-team technical initiatives and delivering proof of concepts that demonstrate product feasibility; maintaining and improving group-wide high standards and guidelines of software engineering practices; and identifying areas of improvement in the technology landscape of the group and recommending solutions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate experience in working with complex data ecosystems and have experience in the implementation of data pipelines and ETL processes. Hands-on experience with SQL and at least one relational database is required, along with familiarity with data integration tools such as Airflow and dbt. Experience with Git and CI/CD workflows is essential, as well as an understanding of data modeling concepts such as normalization and star schema. Some experience with streaming data is also beneficial. The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in SQL and PL/SQL, solid Python programming skills particularly in data processing, knowledge of data pipeline architecture and orchestration, and the ability to write clean, modular, and efficient code. Autonomy in work is also a key requirement.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a professional background in Computing Engineering or a related field. Candidates must have 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. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Data Engineer position includes a minimum of 2 years and up to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience for those with a Master's degree, or up to 3 years for those with a PhD. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in working with complex data ecosystems and the implementation of data pipelines and ETL processes, showcasing their ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description effectively.
Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, both spoken and written. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learn French, which is considered a good to have skill for this role.
Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. 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 01-March-202
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 uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates a range of complex scientific instruments and facilities, including the Large Hadron Collider, to study fundamental particles and their interactions. CERN is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for achieving its scientific goals.
Job Overview:
The Data Engineer position at CERN involves a critical role in the rebuilding of the organization's data platform. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing robust data pipelines, optimizing database queries, and integrating diverse data sources. This role requires collaboration with an agile team of talented software developers to contribute to application software for CERN's Corporate Information Systems. The engineer will work on developing a data hub using modern open-source technologies, ensuring high standards of software engineering practices, and leading cross-team technical initiatives. The position offers an opportunity to shape the future of data management at CERN, making it an exciting prospect for those passionate about data modeling and modern data architectures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Data Engineer include: collaborating in the design and implementation of a data hub using modern open-source technologies; being responsible for data hub development work packages from design to implementation; designing, implementing, and testing data pipelines for data ingestion and transformation across both streaming and batch data flows; developing data models and architectures, and converting data into relevant datamarts; participating in and leading cross-team technical initiatives and delivering proof of concepts that demonstrate product feasibility; maintaining and improving group-wide high standards and guidelines of software engineering practices; and identifying areas of improvement in the technology landscape of the group and recommending solutions.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate experience in working with complex data ecosystems and have experience in the implementation of data pipelines and ETL processes. Hands-on experience with SQL and at least one relational database is required, along with familiarity with data integration tools such as Airflow and dbt. Experience with Git and CI/CD workflows is essential, as well as an understanding of data modeling concepts such as normalization and star schema. Some experience with streaming data is also beneficial. The ideal candidate should possess proficiency in SQL and PL/SQL, solid Python programming skills particularly in data processing, knowledge of data pipeline architecture and orchestration, and the ability to write clean, modular, and efficient code. Autonomy in work is also a key requirement.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a professional background in Computing Engineering or a related field. Candidates must have 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. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Data Engineer position includes a minimum of 2 years and up to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience for those with a Master's degree, or up to 3 years for those with a PhD. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in working with complex data ecosystems and the implementation of data pipelines and ETL processes, showcasing their ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description effectively.
Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, both spoken and written. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learn French, which is considered a good to have skill for this role.
Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. 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 01-March-202
- It is important to note that this position may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference is FAP-BC-ENG-2025-227-GRAP, and the field of work is Software Engineering and IT. The benchmark job title is 200020 - Computing Engineer. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances.
Info
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
