Software Engineer (C/C++) (BE-ICS-STF-2025-69-GRAP)

Work in the openlab collaboration and implement advanced software solutions.

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Geneva (Switzerland)

Entry

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Overview

Work in the openlab collaboration and implement advanced software solutions.

You have:

You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
You have a professional background in Software Engineer (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.

Contract

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

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Details

Job Description

Your responsibilities

You will work in the openlab collaboration between CERN and Siemens and your activities will comprise:

Evaluate and implement software-defined automation concepts: leverage Siemens Industrial Edge Ecosystem and Virtual PLCs (vPLCs) to deploy advanced control strategies.
Develop monitoring solutions for large heterogeneous PLC deployments: design and integrate monitoring tools using the Industrial Edge Ecosystem to ensure efficient operation and scalability.
Research open-source Large Language Models (LLMs): investigate and prototype the use of LLMs to improve automation, fault detection, and predictive maintenance in industrial control applications.
Collaborate closely with Siemens Foundational Technology: act as a technical bridge and focal point for joint R&D activities, aligning project goals and ensuring smooth knowledge transfer between teams.

Your profile

Skills

Advanced knowledge of C/C++.
Proficiency in advances Python programming.
Proven experience with Git-based CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Background in edge or embedded computing will be an advantage.
Previous exposure to Large Language Models will be an advantage.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
You have a professional background in Software Engineer (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: 03.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-August-2025

Job reference: BE-ICS-STF-2025-69-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

What we offer

A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
30 days of paid leave per year.
On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.

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Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with C/C++ and how it applies to automation projects.	This question assesses your technical expertise in languages critical for the role.	Emphasize specific projects where you utilized C/C++ in automation.
Can you provide an example of a CI/CD pipeline you've implemented using Git?	The interviewer wants to gauge your experience with modern development practices.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What projects have you done involving containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you worked with Large Language Models before? Describe your experience.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure efficient operation and scalability in your software solutions?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a challenging technical problem you've encountered and how you resolved it.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your approach to teamwork in a collaborative environment?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you plan to develop language skills in English or French?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.