Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific research and technological innovation. Established in 1954, CERN has grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research, employing thousands of professionals from various fields including physics, engineering, and IT. With a mission to push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding of the universe, CERN operates in multiple countries and collaborates with numerous international institutions. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages collaboration among its employees.

Job Overview:
The position of Computing Engineer within the IT Platforms Infrastructure team at CERN is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of AI platforms that will support groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The role involves designing and operating shared AI platforms that leverage machine learning, large language models (LLMs), and emerging AI systems. The successful candidate will work closely with various CERN teams to identify and prototype AI use cases, ensuring that these platforms can handle vast amounts of scientific data efficiently. This position requires a blend of technical expertise in machine learning systems, cloud-native technologies, and a passion for open-source innovation. The engineer will also be responsible for building and maintaining an AI/MLOps ecosystem that supports the lifecycle management of models and agents, engaging with both open-source communities and industry partners to enhance the capabilities of the platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Computing Engineer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: designing, developing, and operating shared AI platforms that support machine learning and LLMs; collaborating with CERN teams to identify and benchmark AI use cases across various computing infrastructures; building and maintaining an open-source-based AI/MLOps ecosystem; managing the lifecycle of models and agents, including evaluation and monitoring; engaging with open-source communities and industry partners to foster collaboration and innovation; and ensuring the platforms are optimized for performance, particularly in GPU or accelerator-based workloads. The engineer will also be expected to contribute to the identification and selection of relevant emerging ICT technologies and to apply software life-cycle tools and procedures effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in machine learning systems and platforms, with practical experience in operating ML services. A solid understanding of MLOps and cloud-native technologies, including Kubernetes, containers, CI/CD, and observability, is essential. Familiarity with open-source ecosystems and a commitment to contributing to community projects are also required. Additionally, candidates should be comfortable working with Linux-based systems and have knowledge of system configuration tools. Strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are mandatory, along with a willingness to learn French.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computing Engineering or a related field. It is important that applicants have graduated within the last two years and have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Candidates without a university degree or those holding a PhD are not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should be relevant to the field of computing engineering, particularly in areas related to machine learning and AI systems. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment and contribute to innovative projects.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While knowledge of French is not required at the time of application, candidates must show a commitment to learning the language as part of their professional development.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week and offers hybrid working flexibility. The target start date for this position is July 1, 202

• Candidates should be prepared for the possibility of working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The compensation package includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, which 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. On-the-job and formal training opportunities, including language classes, will also be provided.