Distributed Storage 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 is renowned for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study fundamental particles. CERN was founded in 1954 and has since grown to employ thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, making it a hub for international collaboration in scientific research. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its contributions to the development of the World Wide Web and advancements in various fields of science and technology.

Job Overview:
As a Distributed Storage Engineer at CERN, you will play a pivotal role in evolving the data storage systems utilized at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its international partners. This position is situated within the Storage and Data Management Group of CERN's IT Department, where you will be tasked with managing and enhancing core data storage and management capabilities that are essential for scientific progress at CERN. Your responsibilities will include designing, evolving, and operating large-scale distributed storage services, particularly focusing on open-source Ceph-based solutions. You will work in a dynamic environment that emphasizes high availability, performance, and resilience across multi-datacenter setups. This role also offers opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to automation and observability aligned with modern DevOps practices, while collaborating with international partners and participating in conferences and workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Distributed Storage Engineer include managing and operating distributed disk storage, block, object, and filesystem services based on mainstream open-source technologies, particularly Ceph. You will participate in the evolution of the architecture and design of storage services for CERN, integrating and maintaining distributed disk storage systems at scale across multiple availability zones and data centers. Additionally, you will contribute to documentation, development, optimization, and further automation of storage services, engage in change management, incident response, and user support, and liaise with key stakeholders both within and outside the IT department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. A strong interest in service management, including operations, troubleshooting, user support, configuration, and automation is essential. Candidates should have a deep understanding of Linux operating system performance, tuning, and administration, as well as the architecture of distributed storage and filesystems such as NFS and CephFS. Experience in debugging and diagnosing issues in complex distributed environments is crucial, along with demonstrated experience in C++ software development, preferably with the Ceph source code. Strong collaboration and communication skills are necessary to work effectively with cross-functional teams, users, and partners.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should include a solid foundation in computer science principles, software development, and systems architecture, particularly in relation to distributed systems and storage technologies.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong interest in service management and a deep understanding of Linux operating systems. Experience in operations, troubleshooting, user support, and configuration is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in debugging and diagnosing issues in complex distributed environments, as well as experience in C++ software development related to distributed storage systems. Familiarity with open-source technologies and a collaborative mindset to work with diverse teams is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a valuable asset. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. 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, as well as stand-by duty when necessary. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is IT-SD-GSS-2026-96-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that 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.