Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization 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's mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research and innovation. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce, fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusion. CERN is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

Job Overview:
The Computing Engineer position at CERN involves designing and evolving complex data models that are integral to the accelerator control systems. The role focuses on the database backend of large-scale, mission-critical applications, particularly utilizing Oracle-based schemas and Java backend services that expose APIs to applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing robust and scalable database systems that are essential for control, configuration, and operational applications, enabling the operation of CERN's accelerator complex. This position requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to build reliable backend solutions that align with user needs, contributing to systems used at the world's largest particle physics laboratory. The role encompasses all phases of the software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis to deployment, and includes providing technical supervision and mentoring to junior software engineers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Computing Engineer include: interacting with stakeholders such as end-users, Product Owners, and infrastructure providers to gather requirements; designing and implementing reliable data models that ensure ACID properties; developing and maintaining APIs for data access and manipulation using CRUD operations, including interfacing with AI systems; analyzing integration requirements across multiple technical domains and designing robust solutions; contributing to all phases of the software development lifecycle; providing technical supervision and mentoring to junior software engineers; and offering day-to-day operational support to a large user community of over 500 users. Additionally, the engineer will propose and contribute to the evolution of systems under their responsibility and beyond.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. They should have experience in developing high-performance relational databases with Oracle and/or PostgreSQL RDBMS, as well as experience in the design and evolution of data models in technical domains. Knowledge of designing and maintaining high-availability, client-oriented APIs, ideally REST- and gRPC-based, is essential. Proficiency in Java software development using Spring Boot, JPA, and Hibernate is required, along with an understanding of software quality assurance practices and associated tools. Familiarity with CI/CD solutions for building, testing, and deploying software to production is also necessary, and practical experience in PL/SQL is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree in Computer Science or a related field. This advanced degree should provide a solid foundation in software engineering principles, database management, and systems architecture, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to tackle complex technical challenges in a research environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in developing high-performance relational databases, particularly with Oracle and/or PostgreSQL. They should also have a proven track record in the design and evolution of data models within technical domains, demonstrating their ability to create efficient and scalable database solutions. Experience in Java software development, particularly with frameworks such as Spring Boot, JPA, and Hibernate, is crucial, as is familiarity with software quality assurance practices and tools. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with CI/CD processes and a practical understanding of PL/SQL.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, 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:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, with hybrid job flexibility. The role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays based on the needs of the organization. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is BE-CSS-IDE-2026-82-LD. CERN offers a competitive, tax-free salary that increases with relevant experience, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. There is also the possibility to extend the contract up to 8 years, along with eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.