Distributed Storage 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 centres for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. The organization is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge and foster innovation through collaboration and diversity, making it a unique and inspiring workplace.

Job Overview:
As a Distributed Storage Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in evolving the data storage systems that support the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its international partners. This position is an opportunity to work within the Storage and Data Management Group of CERN’s IT Department, where you will be involved in the management and operation of large-scale, distributed storage services. Your responsibilities will include designing and implementing storage solutions that ensure high availability and performance across multi-datacenter environments. You will also engage in system-wide troubleshooting within a distributed Linux-based environment, optimizing storage architectures for demanding workloads. Your expertise in C++ software development will be essential for identifying and resolving issues within the Ceph code base, as well as contributing improvements to the upstream open-source Ceph project. This role offers a unique challenge and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies, including storage for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).

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 open-source technologies like Ceph; participating in the evolution of architecture and design for storage services; integrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining distributed disk storage systems at scale across multiple availability zones and data centres; contributing to documentation, development, optimization, and automation of storage services; engaging in change management, incident response, and user support; and liaising with key stakeholders both within and outside the IT department.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, 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 required, along with demonstrated experience in C++ software development related to distributed storage systems. Strong collaboration and communication skills are necessary to work effectively with cross-functional teams, users, and partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of distributed storage systems and the technologies involved in their management and operation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong interest and experience in service management, particularly in operations, troubleshooting, user support, configuration, and automation. A deep understanding of Linux operating systems and distributed storage architecture is essential, along with experience in C++ software development, preferably with the Ceph source code. Candidates should also have experience in debugging and diagnosing issues in complex distributed environments, which may span hardware, network, and software layers.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a valuable asset. This language proficiency is important for effective communication within the diverse international environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The position is 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 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 and increases with relevant experience, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.