Software Engineer

About

Are you an experienced Software Engineer with a passion for low-level real-time systems? Join the Timing team in the Controls Software & Services group to work on real-time software for the world's largest particle physics laboratory.

ISOLDE, one of CERN's accelerator facilities, is undergoing a major upgrade, including its timing system, which will be based on White Rabbit technology. Our team is responsible for the design, development, and deployment of the C++ software that generates the timing signals used to synchronise the accelerator equipment, and you will be involved in all aspects of this project.

Your Responsibilities

• Learn the White Rabbit timing system, hardware modules, and our real-time software framework for device control.
• Participate in the design of the new ISOLDE timing system.
• Develop and commission the timing system.
• Contribute to the design of the software that controls the White Rabbit hardware modules for device synchronisation.
• Develop the software according to the design.
• Contribute to the adaptation of existing real-time software to the new timing system.

More information here.

Your Profile

• Proven experience in C++ development in a Linux (or Unix-like) environment, including hands-on experience in real-time systems development.
• Experience with low-level development, libraries, and kernel modules.
• Experience in applying software quality assurance techniques and practice with relevant tools.

Skills

• Hands-on C++ development.
• Knowledge of Linux, low-level libraries, and kernel modules.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages for back-ends and embedded systems.
• Very good knowledge of object-oriented programming principles.
• Knowledge and application of software lifecycle tools and procedures, including DevOps.
• Familiarity with testing, diagnosing, and optimising software.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting operational software systems.
• Spoken and written English, with a willingness to learn French.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background as a Software Engineer (or in a related field) and have either:
  • A Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduate professional experience;
  • Or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduate professional experience.
• You have not previously held a CERN fellowship or graduate contract.

Additional Information

• Application deadline: 21 June 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
• Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension to a maximum of 36 months.
• Working hours: 40 hours per week.
• Work flexibility: Hybrid.
• Planned start date: 1 September 2026.
• Job reference: BE-CSS-DSP-2026-90-GRAP.
• Work domain: Software Development 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 of annual holidays.
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme (for you, your spouse, and children) as well as membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child, and infant 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 courses.

About CERN

Discover a world where the impossible becomes possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we push the boundaries of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse group of professionals in engineering, technology, science, and administration. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to pioneering research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, where every contribution is valued, driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity has been a core value since CERN's inception and remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community that is pushing the frontiers of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can flourish. Be part of our mission to discover the heart of the universe! JOIN US!

More information about us, here: careers.cern