Software Engineer

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific discovery. The organization operates numerous facilities and experiments, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe and to promote international collaboration in scientific research.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position within the Machine Protection and Electrical Integrity (MPE) group at CERN involves contributing to the development and maintenance of the Quench Protection System (QPS) software. This role is crucial for ensuring the reliability and integration of software systems within CERN's accelerator controls. The successful candidate will work with modern programming languages such as Rust, C++, Python, and Java, and will support a live system that is already deployed in advanced test facilities. The position is ideal for motivated graduates who are eager to learn and grow in a collaborative and inclusive environment, contributing to the evolution of critical software systems that play a vital role in CERN's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software Engineer include:

• Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of the Rust-based data acquisition system and its client libraries in Python and C++.
• Supporting the development and testing of real-time control software.
• Assisting in the integration of the software stack within CERN's broader controls ecosystem, including access control systems (RBAC).
• Helping document and improve the QPS functional model and its interactions with other systems.
• Participating in the maintenance of the existing QPS data acquisition system currently utilized in the LHC.
• Collaborating with stakeholders and users to understand requirements and support ongoing operations.
• Engaging in team discussions and contributing to the Agile development process, ensuring that the software meets the high standards expected at CERN.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess professional experience in software development, with exposure to backend development considered an advantage. Familiarity with common development tools and practices, such as Git, containers, and CI/CD, is a plus. Experience working in a team environment is essential, along with a basic understanding of Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban. Candidates should have a curiosity about low-level systems, networking, and a commitment to writing high-quality, maintainable code. Advanced knowledge of Rust and C++, as well as knowledge of Python and Java, is required. Understanding of concurrency and multithreading, Linux systems, and networking is also necessary. Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD and monitoring, is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Candidates without a university degree are not eligible, and those with a PhD are also not eligible for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in software development principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the technologies used in the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should be relevant to software development and demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment. The role is designed for recent graduates who are looking to start their careers in software engineering and contribute to significant projects at CERN.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is fully onsite and offers a contract duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week. The target start date for this position is July 1, 202

• The job reference is TE-MPE-CB-2026-101-GRAE. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, 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. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will also be provided.