Software Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its collaborative environment that fosters innovation and scientific discovery. The organization values diversity and inclusion, making it a central part of its mission since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position at CERN is an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about building user-centric, high-impact platforms. The role is situated within the Multimedia Platforms Team, where the engineer will design, develop, and operate reliable platforms that facilitate the recording, processing, and streaming of multimedia content for the CERN community. This position is crucial as it supports a large-scale videoconferencing platform that serves tens of thousands of users across CERN and the wider High Energy Physics (HEP) community. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that these platforms are efficient, user-friendly, and capable of handling the demands of a global scientific community. The role also involves engaging with users and vendors, contributing to feature evaluations, and providing expert support and training to the user community, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Software Engineer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities including: designing and developing open-source web platforms that adhere to clear UI/UX principles; developing and maintaining backend services for the transfer, processing, and publication of multimedia files; maintaining CERN's webcast infrastructure and managing its cloud multimedia CDN; sharing ownership of core software projects that power recording and webcasting operations; managing and providing third-level support for the videoconferencing service; contributing to other applications in the section's catalogue; engaging with users and vendors for feature evaluations and procurement processes; providing expert support, documentation, and training to the user community; and mentoring junior team members, including Summer/Technical Students and Graduates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. Strong expertise in web and systems programming, particularly in Python, is essential. Familiarity with database management systems (DBMSs) such as PostgreSQL, task queues like Celery and Rundeck, and web frameworks such as Flask, FastAPI, or Django is required. Candidates should have solid experience in web systems architecture, integration, and migration, as well as proven hands-on experience in deploying, configuring, and operating production-grade services, including container-based platforms and virtualized environments. An understanding of user-driven design principles and web accessibility fundamentals is also necessary, along with experience in client-side UI libraries such as React, Vue, or Angular being an advantage. Knowledge of multimedia and streaming technologies is a plus, as is experience managing cloud/SaaS and procuring cloud services.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or a related field is required for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in software engineering tasks, particularly in the context of multimedia platforms and web technologies.

Experience:
Candidates should have strong expertise in web and systems programming, particularly in Python, along with experience in web systems architecture and production-grade service deployment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working with multimedia technologies and cloud services, demonstrating their ability to manage and operate complex systems effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being an important aspect of the role. This bilingual capability will enhance communication within the diverse CERN community and facilitate collaboration with international colleagues.

Additional Notes:
The 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 commitment of 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid working arrangements. The role may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is IT-CA-CTE-2026-73-LD. CERN offers a competitive, tax-free salary that increases with relevant experience, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.