C++ Software Engineer (SY-EPC-CCS-2026-115-GRAP)

Develop and maintain C++ software solutions for power converter systems.

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Overview

Develop and maintain C++ software solutions for power converter systems.

You have:

  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ and Linux-based development environments.
  • Experience designing, developing, and maintaining medium-to-large software systems, applying software quality practices such as testing, code review, continuous integration, and maintainability.
  • Ability to take ownership of technical deliverables, communicate effectively, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Interest or experience in hardware-software integration, industrial systems, or control systems would be an asset.
  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Software Engineering or related field with a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.

Contract

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Job Description

As a Software Engineer, you will engage in the development, evolution, and long-term maintenance of C++ software solutions running in Linux environments. Working within a collaborative team of software engineers and domain experts, you will contribute to the core control applications that govern more than 5,000 power converters across the accelerator complex.

A central aspect of this role is the ownership and modernisation of a set of software classes that support accelerator operations. You will take responsibility for migrating these classes from the existing FGCDv1 and FESA architectures to the next-generation FGCDv2 framework. This work offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on software development with framework evolution: as you migrate and modernize your assigned components, you will contribute directly to the refinement and completion of the FGCDv2 framework, helping shape its future direction based on practical experience and operational needs.

Your responsibilities

  • Design, develop, document, and maintain modern C++ control software for power converter systems.
  • Take ownership of software components throughout their lifecycle, including the migration of applications to the FGCDv2 framework.
  • Contribute to the evolution of the FGCDv2 framework by identifying, implementing, and validating improvements based on practical experience.
  • Support software architecture, code quality, and CI/CD practices to ensure reliable, scalable, and maintainable solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers, equipment specialists, and operational teams to deliver robust control applications.
  • This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

More information here.

Your profile

  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ and Linux-based development environments.
  • Experience designing, developing, and maintaining medium-to-large software systems, applying software quality practices such as testing, code review, continuous integration, and maintainability.
  • Ability to take ownership of technical deliverables, communicate effectively, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Interest or experience in hardware-software integration, industrial systems, or control systems would be an asset.

You will have the opportunity to gain further experience with:

  • GitLab and modern CI/CD workflows.
  • Meson build system.
  • Static code analysis, sanitisers, and modern development tooling (Clang ecosystem).
  • Python development and testing frameworks (pytest, Jinja).

Skills

  • Modern C++.
  • Linux Software Development.
  • Code Quality and Testing Practices.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Software Engineering or related (or a related field) and have either:
    • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
    • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
  • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 20.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-October-2026

This position involves:

  • Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: SY-EPC-CCS-2026-115-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

  • A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
  • Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
  • A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
  • Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
  • On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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Potential interview questions

Can you describe a project where you took ownership of a software component? This question assesses your ability to take responsibility for your work. Discuss a specific project, your role, and the outcomes.
How do you ensure code quality in your development process? This question evaluates your understanding and practices regarding code quality. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are your experiences with CI/CD workflows? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a challenge you faced in software integration? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role does testing play in your development process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What interests you about working at CERN? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 days ago - Updated 6 hours ago - Source: careers.cern