Software Engineer for Beam Loss Monitors

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 over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries, with member states primarily from Europe, and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe through innovative research and collaboration across various scientific disciplines.

Job Overview:
The position of Software Engineer for Beam Loss Monitors (BLMs) at CERN involves contributing to the renovation and development of real-time software systems that are critical for accelerator protection. The role focuses on re-engineering existing codebases and updating hardware access mechanisms to ensure reliable beam instrumentation. The engineer will be responsible for designing tools and graphical interfaces that cater to expert users across CERN's accelerators. This position requires a strong emphasis on comprehensive testing, validation, and robust design to maintain the integrity of the systems involved in particle acceleration. The engineer will work closely with teams during the commissioning and deployment phases within the accelerator control system, ensuring that all software meets the high standards required for operational success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Software Engineer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Re-engineering and refactoring low-level C++ code across all BLM systems (LINAC4, PS, Booster, SPS, and LHC) to create a homogenized codebase that enhances long-term maintainability.
• Conceiving, designing, and developing software for Continuous Integration testing and validation, which includes creating hardware-in-the-loop test benches.
• Adding extended diagnostic and logging functionalities to facilitate the analysis of real-time software behavior.
• Developing new Python tools and PyQt6 graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for effective system monitoring.
• Supporting teams during the commissioning and deployment phases within the accelerator control system, ensuring that all software components function seamlessly and meet operational requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess hands-on experience in low-level and real-time software development using C and C++. Additionally, experience in GUI development and data analysis with Python is essential. Familiarity with unit testing, Continuous Integration, and hardware-in-the-loop development is considered an advantage. Proficiency in using tools such as code assistants, particularly in the context of code refactoring and continuous integration, is also beneficial. A good understanding of real-time principles and Object-Oriented Programming is required, along with the ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learning the basics of the other language.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in 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 hold a PhD. The educational qualifications must be completed by the application deadline, and candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of two years of professional experience in the field of Software Engineering or a related discipline. This experience should be gained after the completion of their highest educational qualification, which must be either a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Candidates who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract are not eligible to apply.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be committed to learning the basics of the other language, which is considered an important aspect of working in a bilingual 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 position is fully onsite. The target start date for the role is May 1, 202

• The job reference number is SY-BI-BL-2026-56-GRAE, and it falls under the field of Software Engineering and IT, benchmarked as job 200020 - Computing Engineer. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free and dependent on the candidate's degree. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.