Data Centre Engineer

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 thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, making it a hub for international collaboration in scientific research. The organization operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory, where researchers explore the fundamental structure of the universe using advanced scientific instruments. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of knowledge and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among diverse professionals.

Job Overview:
The Data Centre Engineer position at CERN is a critical role within the Controls Software & Services group, focusing on the management and operation of the computing infrastructure that supports CERN's particle accelerators. This position requires a skilled engineer who can ensure the 24/7 availability of core control system services, which are essential for the operation of CERN's accelerator facilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for the management of data centre infrastructure, including servers, networking, and cooling systems, as well as desktop computers and data-storage systems. The role involves administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration tasks for Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system and requires collaboration with various teams to diagnose and resolve operational issues. The engineer will also participate in planning and coordinating installation work and equipment replacement, contributing to the evolution of CERN's complex computing infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Centre Engineer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Managing data centre infrastructure, including servers, racks, networking, powering, and cooling systems.
• Overseeing desktop computers and wall screens in control rooms and technical buildings.
• Managing networked data-storage systems and ensuring effective backup procedures are in place.
• Performing system administration tasks for Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system, including control room consoles, data centre servers, real-time embedded platforms, and virtual machines.
• Investigating, diagnosing, and resolving operational problems in collaboration with end-users, including equipment specialists and operations teams.
• Planning and coordinating annual installation work and replacement of obsolete equipment in collaboration with the system administration team.
• Collaborating closely with engineers from the IT Department responsible for CERN's general IT infrastructure.
• Participating in defining hardware specifications for server and desktop computers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. They should have proven experience in operating medium to large-scale computing infrastructures within a data centre environment. Familiarity with the installation and management of high-performance and high-availability commercial server platforms is essential. Experience with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar, as well as version control systems like Git, is advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate technical competencies in the installation, operation, and maintenance of computing systems, knowledge of operating systems (specifically Linux), and experience with storage systems and networks.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in computing principles and practices, enabling the candidate to effectively manage and operate complex data centre infrastructures.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the operation of medium to large-scale computing infrastructures in a data centre environment. This includes hands-on experience with high-performance and high-availability server platforms, as well as familiarity with configuration management tools and version control systems. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing computing systems and resolving operational issues in a collaborative environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language at CERN. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for communication within the organization and the local community.

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 full-time onsite work, with a standard working hours of 40 hours per week. The position may involve work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, necessitating a valid driving license. Additionally, there may be stand-by duty requirements based on the organization's needs. The job grade for this position is 4-5, and it falls under the field of Software Engineering and IT.