Software Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With a mission to push the frontiers of science and technology, CERN employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members and thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, including the Large Hadron Collider, which has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. CERN fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, where professionals from various fields work together to tackle complex scientific challenges. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and the organization is committed to creating an inclusive community that values every contribution and perspective.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position within the Beams department, specifically in the Controls Software and Services group, involves contributing to the evolution and consolidation of operational tools used to control the accelerator complex at CERN. The role requires collaboration with a passionate team to design and develop reliable backend solutions that align with user needs, ultimately supporting the operation of the world's largest particle physics laboratory. The successful candidate will engage in the development, testing, and validation of software components for the CERN accelerator control system, ensuring that the systems are robust and efficient. This position also entails working closely with stakeholders and users to gather requirements and support daily operations of the accelerator, as well as participating in the investigation and resolution of operational problems in collaboration with physicists and accelerator operators. The role offers an opportunity to work alongside highly skilled software engineers within the BE-CSS group and across the CERN Accelerators & Technology sector, contributing to a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, test, and validate software components for the CERN accelerator control system, ensuring high reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and users to gather and understand requirements, providing support for daily accelerator operations.
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve operational problems in collaboration with physicists and accelerator operators, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient operations.
• Work closely with other software engineers within the BE-CSS group and across the CERN Accelerators & Technology sector to share knowledge and best practices.
• Write clean, maintainable code while adhering to software development principles and practices.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of software development processes.
• Engage in troubleshooting and optimization of operational software systems, ensuring they meet performance standards.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in software engineering to enhance the capabilities of the control systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Initial experience in software development, particularly using Java/Spring frameworks.
• Proven ability to write clean, maintainable code and apply software development principles effectively.
• Strong motivation and ability to learn and navigate large, complex codebases.
• Positive attitude and experience working collaboratively in teams, whether in academic or professional settings.
• Advanced knowledge of Java/Spring is essential, with additional experience in Python considered a plus.
• Familiarity with concurrency and multithreading concepts, as well as relational databases.
• Experience with Linux and container technologies, such as Kubernetes, is advantageous.
• Skills in testing, diagnosing, and optimizing software systems are required.
• Proficiency in monitoring and troubleshooting operational software systems is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering or a related field. It is essential that applicants have graduated within the last two years and have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Applicants without a university degree are not eligible for this position, and those with a PhD are also not eligible, ensuring that the role is targeted towards early-career professionals.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Software Engineering or a related field. This ensures that candidates are relatively new to the workforce and can bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the team while still having some foundational experience in software development.

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:
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 September 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is BE-CSS-DSP-2026-137-GRAE. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5,266 to 5,793 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free and dependent on the candidate's degree. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and their family, and a relocation package based on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training opportunities, including language classes, are also provided.