Software Engineer (Python & DevOps) (SY-EPC-CCS-2026-86-GRAE)
Develop and maintain Python services and libraries while supporting DevOps activities.
Overview
Develop and maintain Python services and libraries while supporting DevOps activities.
You have:
- Experience designing and developing Python libraries and services.
- Experience designing and developing web back-ends, especially REST APIs.
- Experience operating and troubleshooting containerised applications in development or production environments.
- Experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
- Knowledge of networking and modern web application architectures would be an advantage.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field.
- Highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
Contract
This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.
Job Description
You will develop and maintain Python services and libraries while supporting the team in DevOps-related activities. This includes ensuring reliable operation of development and production infrastructure running critical web applications used to operate CERN's power converters.
You will take ownership of several services and maintain the DevOps environment, including local setups, CI/CD pipelines, and cluster configurations, while acting as the main contact with infrastructure teams providing the Kubernetes platform. Working in an agile team, you will contribute to product development during Scrum sprints and address operational issues as they arise.
Your responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain libraries, background services, and REST APIs in Python.
- Maintain scripts in Bash and Python.
- Maintain Docker and Docker Compose development setups.
- Create and maintain CI/CD pipelines with GitLab CI.
- Configure and maintain application deployments using Kubernetes and Helm charts.
- Investigate and resolve issues related to development environments, CI/CD pipelines, and application deployments.
More information here.
Your profile:
- Experience designing and developing python libraries and services.
- Experience designing and developing web back-ends (especially REST APIs).
- Experience operating and troubleshooting containerised applications in development or production environments.
- Experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
- Knowledge of networking and modern web application architectures would be an advantage.
Skills:
- Python (FastAPI, Pydantic, SQLAlchemy, asyncio).
- Docker and Docker Compose.
- Kubernetes and Helm.
- Git and GitLab CI/CD.
- Bash scripting.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Computer Science, Software Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
- Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 14.04.2026 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-August-2026
This position involves:
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job reference: SY-EPC-CCS-2026-86-GRAE
Field of work: Software Engineering and IT
Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer
Global Benefits
- A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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.
Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.
If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!
More information about us, here: careers.cern
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a project where you developed a Python service? | This question examines your real-world experience with Python in a project setting. | Discuss a specific project, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. |
| What strategies do you use to troubleshoot CI/CD pipeline issues? | The interviewer is looking for your problem-solving approach in a CI/CD context. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How have you implemented containerization in your previous projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your experience with Kubernetes and how have you utilized it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss how agile methodology has influenced your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in your libraries? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are some best practices for Docker and Docker Compose that you follow? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |