Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge in the field of particle physics and contribute to the education and training of young scientists. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a diverse workforce, emphasizing the importance of diversity in its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of Computing Engineer at CERN is designed for individuals with a strong passion for challenging projects in the realm of particle physics experiments. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and operation of the distributed workload and data management ecosystem for the LHCb Experiment. This role involves handling millions of jobs and billions of files, contributing to the world’s largest open science data infrastructure. The candidate will work within the Experimental Physics Department, which is dedicated to basic research in experimental particle physics, and will be part of the LHCb Computing group, which is crucial for the development and operation of LHCb Software & Computing systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Computing Engineer will take a leading role in the development, operation, maintenance, and future upgrades of the Dirac interware tailored for the LHCb Experiment. This includes a variety of software engineering tasks to ensure the system's readiness for LHCb U2 and the development of features specifically required for LHCb Distributed Computing. The engineer will contribute to all aspects of the central operation of the LHCb Experiment's distributed computing system, engage with the workflow management efforts of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), and drive their evolution to meet LHCb's needs. Additionally, the engineer will contribute to the evolution of the Dirac open-source community activity and assist with LHCb Core Software tasks, including the modernization of the LHCb software deployment model.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent relevant experience in computing engineering or a related field. Proven experience in the design, development, and operation of large-scale distributed systems for scientific experiments is essential. The candidate should have demonstrated experience with the Python programming language and SQL-based databases, particularly for systems with large request volumes and high interaction rates. Familiarity with Web Development Frameworks, High Performance Computing (HPC) systems, and modern development processes for distributed teams, such as iterative development, code review, and CI/CD, is also required. Experience with common WLCG frameworks and systems, such as HTCondorCE and ARC, would be advantageous.

Educational Background:
A PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computing engineering or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a deep understanding of the principles and practices necessary for success in a complex scientific computing environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have proven experience in the design, development, and operation of large-scale distributed systems, particularly in the context of scientific experiments. This experience should include a strong proficiency in Python and SQL-based databases, as well as familiarity with web development frameworks and high-performance computing systems. The ideal candidate will also have experience with modern development processes and frameworks used in distributed computing environments.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, with a commitment to learn French being a valuable asset. This bilingual capability will facilitate effective communication within the diverse workforce at CERN and enhance collaboration with international colleagues.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility for holders of limited-duration contracts to apply for an indefinite position, subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job grade for this position is classified as 6-7, and the job reference is EP-LBC-2025-112-LD.