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 a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of physicists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory and is known for its groundbreaking contributions to science, including the invention of the World Wide Web. CERN's collaborative environment fosters innovation and diversity, making it a hub for scientific advancement and technological development.

Job Overview:
As a Distributed Storage Engineer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the evolution of 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 design, operation, and management of large-scale distributed storage services. Your work will directly contribute to the scientific progress at CERN by ensuring that data collection, archival, reconstruction, analysis, and global distribution are efficiently managed. You will engage with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, including open-source Ceph-based solutions, and will be responsible for optimizing storage architectures to meet demanding workloads. This role also offers the chance to enhance your skills in automation, deployment, and observability, aligning 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 across multiple availability zones and data centres. Your role will also involve troubleshooting and optimizing storage systems, contributing to documentation and automation efforts, and engaging in change management and incident response. Additionally, you will liaise with key stakeholders both within and outside the IT department to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

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, and automation, is essential. Candidates should have a deep understanding of Linux operating system performance 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 and partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex computing systems and storage technologies, which are critical for the role of Distributed Storage Engineer.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong interest in service management and a deep understanding of Linux operating systems, distributed storage architectures, and troubleshooting in complex environments. Experience in C++ software development, particularly related to distributed storage systems, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working collaboratively in teams and effectively communicating with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this position.

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 comprehensive health insurance, paid leave, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances.