Ceph Software Engineer

What you'll do

Work with us to evolve the CERN data storage systems used at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and at its international partners. CERN is the birthplace of the World Wide Web and one of the world’s leading laboratories for particle physics. Join the Storage and Data Management Group in CERN’s IT Department as a Software Engineer for a unique challenge as the next step in your career. CERN, take part!

The CERN IT Storage and Data Management group operates the core services used by both LHC and non-LHC experiments for data collection, archival, reconstruction, analysis, and global distribution via the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid.

As a Ceph Software Engineer, you will contribute to the design, evolution, and operation of large-scale distributed critical storage services for the CERN cloud and computing infrastructures. You will work hands-on with Ceph-based block, object, and filesystem solutions (including CephFS and NFS integrations), ensuring high availability, performance, and resilience across multi-datacenter environments. Your role will involve troubleshooting complex system-wide issues, optimising storage architectures for demanding workloads such as HPC and AI/ML, and continuously improving automation, deployment, and observability; aligned with modern DevOps practices.

Leveraging strong Linux expertise and systems programming skills (e.g., C/C++, Go, or Rust) you will help evolve the distributed storage technology, while maintaining robust, scalable and secure systems.

Your responsibilities

Co-lead management and operations of distributed disk storage, block, object and filesystem services based on mainstream open-source technologies (Ceph, NFS).
Participate in the evolution of architecture and design of storage services for CERN cloud and compute infrastructure, as well as core business applications (physics data processing, ML/AI, HPC use-cases).
Integrate, troubleshoot and maintain distributed disk storage systems at scale, across multiple availability zones and data centres.
Contribute to documentation, development, optimisation and further automation of storage services.
Contribute to change management, incident response, and user support.
Liaise with key stakeholders inside and outside of the IT department.

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Your profile

Deep understanding of Linux and architecture of storage and filesystems (e.g. NFS, CephFS), including high availability and failure-domain.
Knowledge of POSIX permissions model, POSIX ACLs and inheritance, and authentication/authorisation concepts (CephX, Kerberos for NFS).
Proficiency in at least one systems programming language, ideally C/C++, or other high-performance language (e.g. Rust, Golang).
Good knowledge of scripting languages (e.g. Python, shell) to automate deployment and testing is also required.
Solid debugging skills for troubleshooting of complex distributed environments and performance tuning.
Experience in diagnosing complex, system-wide issues which span hardware, network, and software layers.
DevOps skills (CI/CD, Gitlab, containerisation), monitoring, and system observability (Prometheus, Grafana, or similar).
Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with multiple cross-functional teams, including infrastructure, application, and end-user communities.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Your skills

Familiarity with NFS-Ganesha.
Familiarity with rsync/rclone, snapshots, snapshot-based and incremental replication and filesystem-native migration tooling.
Familiarity with inotify for change tracking, bind mounts, and Linux VFS semantics.
Design of storage systems.
Development of application software.
Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.
Knowledge of storage technologies.
Operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of storage systems.
Delivers prompt and efficient service taking into account customer needs.
Readily absorbs new techniques and working practices; proposes new or improved ways of working.
Seeks and integrates other points of view when tackling an issue; consults experts in the field and undertakes benchmarking.
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
Seeks feedback from colleagues and other stakeholders about ways of increasing competence.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/08/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9236 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. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
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 IT Department designs, operates, and evolves CERN’s core computing and digital infrastructure. It provides the large-scale data processing, storage, networking, and collaboration services that enable CERN’s scientific programme. The Department supports the LHC and non-LHC experiments, accelerator systems, and the wider CERN community, while advancing new computing technologies through research, development, and strategic partnerships.

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.