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. With a mission to push the frontiers of science and technology, CERN employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with scientists and engineers from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, contributing to our understanding of the universe. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and it fosters an inclusive environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Job Overview:
The Computing Engineer position at CERN involves developing and operating advanced robotic systems specifically designed for inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks within accelerator facilities. The role requires the design, development, and maintenance of control and simulation software for robotic platforms, particularly for the Future Circular Collider (FCC). The focus will be on creating modular and scalable solutions that ensure reliability and efficiency. The engineer will be involved in the entire development cycle, from implementation and testing to deployment and continuous integration, ensuring that the robotic systems function optimally in various environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Computing Engineer include designing, implementing, and maintaining high-quality control software modules for robotic systems. The engineer will manage build systems and dependencies using CMake and modern C++ standards (C++17 and above). They will work with version control systems such as Git and GitLab, contributing to CI/CD pipelines to ensure reliable and automated builds and testing. The role also involves integrating open-source robotics libraries like OpenCV, Eigen, Pinocchio, ACADOS, and Mujoco. Additionally, the engineer will develop and utilize simulation tools for robotic kinematics, dynamics, and design validation. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to define and implement software interfaces between robotic subsystems and higher-level control frameworks is essential. Participation in software design reviews, code reviews, and documentation to ensure maintainability and consistency is also required. The engineer will support the deployment, testing, and debugging of robotic software in both lab and field environments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have strong experience in C++ software development, particularly with modern C++ standards, object-oriented design, multithreading, and templates. Proficiency with CMake, Git, and continuous integration tools such as GitLab CI or Jenkins is essential. Familiarity with Linux-based development and containerized environments (Docker) is required. Experience with open-source robotics software and robotic simulation tools for kinematic/dynamic modeling and design validation is also necessary. A good understanding of robotics concepts, strong collaboration and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams are critical. Experience with Python or MATLAB for testing or analysis is an asset, and knowledge of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or real-time systems is a plus. Familiarity with AI/ML tools is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. A professional background in Computing Engineering or a related field is necessary. Candidates should possess 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 that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Experience:
Candidates should have a professional background that aligns with the requirements of the position, specifically in Computing Engineering or a related field. The experience level required varies based on educational background, with a Master's degree necessitating 2 to 6 years of relevant experience, while a PhD requires up to 3 years of experience post-graduation. This experience should include practical application of skills in software development, particularly in C++ and robotics.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language being a requirement. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse teams 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 is fully onsite. The target start date for the position is May 1, 202

• The job reference is BE-CEM-MRO-2025-259-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, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks of annual closure. Employees will be covered by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme and will have access to family, child, and infant monthly allowances based on individual circumstances. A relocation package is also available, including installation grants and travel expenses, depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will be provided.