Platform Engineer

What you'll do

You will support development teams and ensure reliable operation of Open Science core services such as INSPIRE, SCOAP3, and CERN Analysis Preservation by delivering modern platform tooling, automation, observability, and infrastructure. This role combines hands on service operations with close collaboration with developers and the fast evaluation of new technologies.

Your responsibilities

Support development teams with best practices, deployment models, observability, and platform tooling to ensure smooth integration and reliable production operations.
Provide and maintain developer tooling (templates, automation scripts, CI/CD workflows, development environments, platform services) to streamline development, testing, and deployment.
Operate and improve production services (INSPIRE, CAP, SCOAP³, and related systems), ensuring reliability, performance, scalability, and security; participate in monitoring, incident response, and service lifecycle management.
Lead and contribute to postmortems, conducting structured incident analysis, identifying root causes, defining actions, and driving reliability improvements.
Design and automate platform components, including Kubernetes resources, GitOps workflows, Helm/Kustomize configurations, and infrastructure-as-code environments to improve reproducibility and reduce operational overhead.
Prototype and evaluate new technologies (cloud-native tooling, operators, observability stacks, AI-related infrastructure) and integrate them when beneficial.
Enhance developer experience by improving documentation, automation, self-service capabilities, and platform usability.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Expertise with GitOps and ArgoCD.
Kustomize and Helm (chart development/maintenance).
Git proficiency and GitHub repo/organization management.
Operation of medium-to-large production Kubernetes clusters.
Grafana dashboard creation and maintenance.
OpenSearch for logs (indices, templates).
HAproxy/Kubernetes ingress (stick tables, rate-limiting, traffic shaping).
AI infrastructure: MCP servers, model serving, ML workflows (Kubeflow), vector databases, embedding services, model management.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Your skills

Administration of computing systems: Operating medium-to-large Kubernetes clusters using GitOps (ArgoCD/Kustomize).
Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: Automating CI/CD pipelines (Git, Helm).
Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems: Operating observability and ingress systems (Grafana/OpenSearch/HAProxy).
Knowledge of system configuration tools: Defining and maintaining configurations with Helm, Kustomize and IaC.
Development of system software (drivers, system configuration and monitoring, etc.): AI infrastructure operations (MCP, model serving, Kubeflow, vector DB).
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Expresses opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeps to the point.
Tests solutions for long-term suitability, cross-checking with all concerned before implementation.
Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Keeps up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbs new information.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/04/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9113 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The RCS sector oversees all research activities at CERN, including LHC and non-LHC programmes, and manages the scientific computing infrastructure and services essential for research and experiments.

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!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.