Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on groundbreaking research that pushes the frontiers of science and technology.

Job Overview:
The position of Computing Engineer at CERN involves working within the Controls Software & Services group, which is responsible for the computing infrastructure that supports the operation of CERN's particle accelerators. The role is critical for ensuring the 24/7 availability of core control system services, which are essential for the surveillance and operation of the particle accelerators. The successful candidate will contribute to the migration of services to a new on-premises Kubernetes infrastructure, enhancing business continuity and scalability. This position offers the opportunity to influence the evolution of complex computing infrastructure, making a significant impact on mission-critical solutions that will serve CERN for decades to come.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Computing Engineer specialized in administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">System Administration, you will perform a variety of tasks including system administration for Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system, which encompasses control room consoles, data center servers, real-time embedded platforms, and virtual machines. You will communicate with end-users to understand their needs and translate these into effective solutions. Additionally, you will investigate and resolve operational problems in collaboration with various teams. Your role will also involve participating in strategic projects related to operating systems and container technology, providing containerization mechanisms for software development teams, and contributing to the planning and migration of infrastructure to a clustered container orchestration platform. You will also be responsible for advancing the control system Kubernetes platform and mentoring junior engineers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. Proven experience in operating medium to large-scale distributed computing infrastructures is essential, particularly with Linux operating systems, high-performance server platforms, and container technologies such as Docker and Podman. Familiarity with on-premise Kubernetes infrastructure and associated services, as well as configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet, is required. A strong understanding of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security aspects in deployment, diagnostic and monitoring solutions, and software failure analysis in a Linux environment is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a solid foundation in computer science principles, particularly as they relate to system administration and distributed computing.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in the operation of medium to large-scale distributed computing infrastructures. This includes hands-on experience with Linux operating systems, high-performance server platforms, and container technologies. Experience with Kubernetes infrastructure and associated services is crucial, along with familiarity with configuration management tools and version control systems. A background in software failure analysis and diagnostics in a Linux environment is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a valuable asset. Effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with diverse teams and addressing user needs.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The role requires a commitment to 40 hours of work per week, with full onsite presence. Stand-by duty may be required based on organizational needs. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is BE-CSS-CSA-2025-216-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free, along with comprehensive health insurance, paid leave, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.