Software Engineer

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 collaborating with thousands of scientists from around the world. CERN operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position at CERN involves joining a team of experienced software engineers to work on a cutting-edge big data processing and analysis platform. This platform aims to extend the existing UCAP real-time stream processing platform and integrate it with NXCALS, a petabyte-scale offline data storage and analysis system. The role requires designing, implementing, and evolving the Data Processing Platform (DPP), transforming a proof-of-concept into a full-scale, production-ready solution that meets stakeholder requirements. The engineer will research and implement adaptations of the UCAP system to the DPP platform, addressing architectural and integration challenges to ensure compatibility. Collaboration with accelerator operation and equipment specialists is essential to create user-friendly libraries, APIs, and configuration facilities for developing and deploying algorithms in Python or Java.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and evolve the Data Processing Platform (DPP) to meet stakeholder requirements.
• Transform the existing proof-of-concept into a full-scale, production-ready solution.
• Research and implement adaptations of the UCAP system to the DPP platform.
• Migrate UCAP converters into DPP function-based services.
• Address architectural, integration, and migration challenges for full compatibility with the new platform.
• Collaborate with accelerator operation and equipment specialists to design tailored libraries, APIs, and configuration facilities.
• Enable efficient development and deployment of traditional and machine learning algorithms.
• Ensure the platform supports both offline and online data analysis and processing.
• Maintain documentation and provide support for the platform.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional background in Software Engineering or a closely 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.
• No prior experience as a CERN fellow or graduate contract holder.
• Good understanding of distributed systems and microservice architecture.
• Exposure to serverless concepts and frameworks, particularly Knative or OpenFaaS, is an asset.
• Knowledge of data processing and streaming frameworks such as Apache Kafka and Apache Spark is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a Master's degree in Software Engineering or a related field with 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of post-graduation experience. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to succeed in the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Software Engineering or a related field. Specifically, candidates should have either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of relevant experience. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of software development and data processing in a high-tech environment like CERN.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration into the local community and workplace.

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 BE-CSS-DSP-2026-23-GRAP. The position offers a monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, pension fund membership, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.