Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established in 195

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology, fostering an inclusive environment where innovation thrives. CERN's mission is to explore the fundamental structure of the universe, and it operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Job Overview:
The Computing Engineer position at CERN is pivotal in advancing non-relational data stores and big data platforms, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as Hadoop and Spark. The successful candidate will leverage their software engineering expertise to manage large-scale data platforms and high-throughput ingestion pipelines, ensuring performance and reliability. This role directly supports the operation and analysis of particle accelerator systems, managing extensive datasets accumulated over years. The engineer will be responsible for driving the evolution of the CERN Accelerator Archival system (NXCALS), designing and developing core system components, and collaborating with various user communities to establish best practices for control applications. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and assessing relevant big-data technologies and mentoring junior engineers, contributing to the overall development of Controls data engineering platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Computing Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Driving the evolution of the CERN Accelerator Archival system (NXCALS) by designing and developing core components such as ingestion pipelines (ETL), metadata services, data compaction mechanisms, data extraction algorithms, and APIs.
• Collaborating with user communities to define and promote best practices for utilizing NXCALS in control applications.
• Working closely with the CERN IT department to select and validate the evolution of underlying storage technologies like HDFS and ClickHouse.
• Contributing to the operation, maintenance, and user support of the NXCALS system.
• Monitoring relevant big-data technologies and evaluating their applicability to NXCALS.
• Mentoring and providing technical support to junior software engineers involved in these activities.
• Contributing to the development of other Controls data engineering platforms based on overall priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. They should have extensive experience in Java development, particularly within the Spring ecosystem, and solid knowledge of big-data technologies such as Hadoop, HDFS, Apache Ozone, HBase, ClickHouse, Apache Spark, and Kafka. A working knowledge of Python, including SDK development and PySpark, is also required. Proven experience with modern software engineering practices, including quality assurance, CI/CD, and DevOps methodologies, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in designing, deploying, and operating complex, high-availability systems.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical foundation and technical skills required for the role, ensuring that the candidate is well-equipped to tackle the challenges associated with managing large-scale data platforms and software engineering tasks at CERN.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in software development, particularly in Java and big-data technologies. This includes a strong background in using the Spring ecosystem and familiarity with various big-data tools and frameworks. Experience in designing and operating complex systems is crucial, as is a solid understanding of modern software engineering practices. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

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

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 job requires a valid driving license and may involve stand-by duty as needed by the organization. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position offers hybrid job flexibility. CERN provides a competitive salary that is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.