Computing Engineer (EP-CMG-CO-2025-96-LD)

Join CERN as a Computing Engineer supporting the CMS collaboration.

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Open positions at CERN
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Overview

Join CERN as a Computing Engineer supporting the CMS collaboration.

You have:

  • Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Information Technology or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in design, implementation and testing of complex software systems.
  • Experience in usage of modern web tools and software development infrastructure (git, gitlab, JIRA).
  • Experience in managing a team of developers.
  • Experience in PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL database development and administration.
  • Experience with modern programming languages (Python, Django, Vue, PHP, Java, JSP).
  • Ability to provide direct support to end users.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you a passionate Computing Engineer ready to leave your mark on one of the largest scientific collaborations in the world? CMS is one of the largest Physics experiments of CERN's flagship project, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The experimental site hosting the CMS detector is located on the CERN site of Point 5, Cessy (France). CERN’s Experimental Physics Department (EP) is seeking a dynamic and driven individual to contribute to the design and maintenance of the Software and computing needed by the CMS collaboration to manage its operation and communicate with the CMS users' community.

The selected candidate will join the Experimental Physics Department (EP), within the CMS Experiment Group (EP-CMG), Computing and Operations Section (EP-CMG-CO). This section is responsible, among other tasks, fordesigning software tools and components to help the management of the CMS collaboration and providing support for their maintenance and operation.

Functions

As a Computing Engineer you will:

  • Take a leading role in the planning and design of the web-based software tools and infrastructure used by the CMS management, secretariat, and general members of the collaboration to ensure the most efficient operation of the collaboration.
  • Contribute to the implementation and validation of the required software tools, and document the necessary procedures as needed.
  • Lead the transition from the existing Java/JSP-based system to the newly developed PHP/Python/Django/Vue-based system, ensuring a smooth experience for users.
  • Coordinate with the team at the National Centre for Physics in Islamabad, Pakistan, the implementation and validation of the newly developed software suite.
  • Provide support to users of the system, ensuring that issues are resolved promptly, and new features are delivered as resources permit.
  • Contribute to the improvement of the documentation, by gaining in-depth knowledge of both the old and new CMS management software suites.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Information Technology or a related field.

Experience:

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience in the following areas:

  • Design, implementation and testing of complex software systems.
  • Usage of modern web tools and software development infrastructure and tools (git, gitlab, JIRA).
  • Managing a team of developers.
  • PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL database development and administration.
  • Modern programming languages and tools: python, Django, Vue, PHP, Java, JSP.
  • Providing direct support to end users.

Technical competencies:

  • Administration of databases.
  • Development of application software.
  • Solution architecture and design of ICT systems.
  • Design and selection of computational methods and tools.
  • Requirements definition and management as well as continuity and availability management.

Behavioural competencies:

  • Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
  • Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
  • Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
  • Demonstrating flexibility: actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
  • Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 05.06.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

  • Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-CMG-CO-2025-96-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a complex software project you managed and the outcome? This question assesses your project management and technical skills. Discuss your role, challenges faced, and how you ensured the project's success.
How do you approach team collaboration and managing conflicts? This question evaluates your teamwork and conflict resolution skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with transitioning from old to new software systems? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Detail your experience with database administration. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the delivery of quality work on time? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a time you supported a user with a technical issue? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are your strategies for documenting new software tools and procedures? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you believe communication plays in achieving project goals? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 11 days ago - Updated 4 days ago - Source: careers.cern