Computing Engineer

Computing Engineer

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

March 15, 2026April 29, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195
  • It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and technology, employing over 2,500 staff members and hosting thousands of scientists from around the world. CERN operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology through collaboration and innovation. The organization values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where every contribution is valued and encourages a shared sense of purpose among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Computing Engineer position at CERN involves contributing to the Computing Resource Information Catalogue (CRIC), which is a crucial service that describes computing and storage resources across the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG). This role is essential for supporting particle physics research by connecting over 150 computing centers in more than 40 countries. The successful candidate will work within the CERN IT Computing for Experiments group, focusing on enhancing the maintainability, extensibility, and operational efficiency of CRIC. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with large-scale distributed systems that underpin one of the world's largest scientific computing infrastructures, requiring a blend of software engineering skills and a passion for scientific inquiry.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Computing Engineer include:
  • Contributing to the development and evolution of CRIC, a plugin-based Django platform, while enhancing automation, testing, and CI/CD practices.
  • Developing and operating data ingestion pipelines that collect and validate information from various external systems.
  • Contributing to deployment and operational workflows for CRIC instances, which are managed through Puppet and CERN's VM infrastructure.
  • Collaborating with team members to build reliable and well-structured software, ensuring that the systems are robust and scalable.
  • Engaging in continuous learning and improvement of technical skills to adapt to the evolving needs of the project and the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following qualifications:
  • A national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • A professional background in Software Engineering or a related field.
  • 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.
  • Candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and experience with Django development.
  • Proficiency in relational databases and data modeling, as well as a good understanding of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Familiarity with automated testing and Git-based workflows in Linux environments is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:
  • A Master's degree in Software Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD in a related discipline with limited professional experience.
  • Candidates should have a solid foundation in software development principles and practices, particularly in the context of large-scale distributed systems.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess a level of experience that includes:
  • A minimum of 2 years of post-graduation professional experience for Master's degree holders, or up to 3 years for PhD holders.
  • Experience in software development, particularly in Python and Django, is crucial.
  • Familiarity with working in Linux environments and using Git-based workflows is also important for success in this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, both spoken and written. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for working in the multicultural 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 job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is July 1, 202
  • The job reference is IT-CE-LCG-2026-54-GRAP. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6,372 to 7,004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job training and formal training opportunities, including language classes, are also provided.
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