Software Engineer

About the Role

Join our team of experienced software engineers in the Controls Software and Services (CSS) group and take an active role in shaping and developing two mission-critical systems that keep CERN's accelerators running safely around the clock.

You will contribute to the modernization of the Technical Infrastructure Monitoring (TIM) system, which is based on the C2MON framework. TIM monitors cooling, ventilation, power, and cryogenic systems throughout the CERN complex.

You will also contribute to the consolidation of the LHC Alarm Service (LASER), the centralized alarm platform serving the entire CERN accelerator chain.

Your Responsibilities

• Participate in the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and architectural design to development, testing, and deployment using agile methodologies.
• Design and develop Java/Spring Boot backend services for: alarm data acquisition from various sources (e.g., OPC-UA, JMS, MQTT), data processing, data forwarding, and long-term archiving (Big Data storage).
• Design and develop event streaming pipelines with Apache Kafka for reliable ingestion and distribution of high-volume alarm and monitoring data across system components.
• Design, develop, and evolve REST APIs consumed by monitoring dashboards and downstream systems such as expert applications and other microservices.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI.
• Write automated unit and integration tests to ensure high software quality.
• Collaborate with accelerator operators and system owners to understand operational requirements and translate them into robust software solutions.

Your Profile

• Experience in backend software development or a closely related role.
• Good understanding of distributed systems, microservices, and event-driven architectures (e.g., message brokers).
• Knowledge of data processing concepts and streaming frameworks (e.g., Apache Kafka) is a plus.

Skills

• Experience in Core Java and its ecosystem.
• Hands-on experience with the Spring Framework, including Spring Boot.
• Knowledge in designing and developing REST APIs.
• Familiarity with Git and CI/CD pipelines and tools.
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker/Podman, Kubernetes).
• Experience with SQL-based databases is a plus.
• Knowledge of Python and its ecosystem is a plus.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, with a willingness to learn French.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• By the closing date for applications, you have a maximum of two years of post-graduate professional experience in computer science, software engineering (or a related field) and your highest level of education is either a Bachelor or Master degree.
• You have not previously held a CERN fellowship or graduate contract.
• Applicants without a university degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

• Application deadline: 27.05.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
• Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to a maximum of 36 months.
• Working hours: 40 hours per week.
• Work flexibility: Hybrid.
• Planned start date: 01 September 2026.
• Job reference: BE-CSS-DSP-2026-134-GRAE.
• Work domain: 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 of annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme (for you, your spouse, and children) as well as membership in 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 unites not only physicists but also a diverse group of professionals across 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, where every contribution is valued, driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity has been a core value at CERN since its inception and remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to become part of a dynamic, inclusive community that expands 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!

Learn more about us, here: careers.cern