Software Engineer – Software Reliability

What you'll do

You will work at the interface between Software and Reliability Engineering, contributing to the technical design of the next generation of particle accelerators, by developing and maintaining Python-based software frameworks for availability modelling, fault data analysis, and reliability-driven design across multiple accelerator subsystems.

In parallel, you will contribute to R&D of software-oriented reliability solutions for large-scale accelerator systems, exploring new modelling approaches, data-driven methods, and verification / validation techniques tailored to complex cyber-physical infrastructures.

Your responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain production-quality Python software supporting reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) analyses for complex accelerator systems.
Contribute to availability modelling, fault and downtime data analysis, and reliability-driven design studies across multiple accelerator domains.
Develop, extend, and refactor modular, well-documented, and testable software frameworks that support accelerator design and validation workflows.
Research, prototype, and help formalise software-oriented reliability methods for large-scale cyber-physical systems, including data-driven, simulation-based, and verification-oriented approaches.
Integrate reliability models with operational data sources, simulation pipelines, and system-level workflows to support performance and design trade-off studies.
Apply and promote modern software engineering practices, including structured version control workflows, code review, automated testing, and continuous integration.
Collaborate with accelerator physicists, system engineers, and reliability specialists to translate engineering requirements into robust software solutions.
Contribute to technical documentation, internal reports, and design reviews, supporting accelerator design, validation, and long-term planning activities.

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Your profile

Demonstrated experience developing scientific or large-scale software systems with a strong focus on code quality, robustness, maintainability, and production readiness.
Built simulation and analysis pipelines with consideration for assumptions, uncertainties, and reproducibility.
Conducted applied, software-driven research, including evaluating methods, prototyping solutions, validating models, and translating research into robust production-quality software.
Derived actionable engineering insights from complex datasets through analysis, modelling, and simulation techniques.
Contributed to collaborative engineering environments through code reviews, shared development workflows, and clear technical communication.
Your studies focused on Computer Science, Software Engineering.

Your skills

Advanced Python proficiency for scientific and engineering applications, producing clear, modular, reusable, well-tested, and maintainable code.
Strong software engineering practices, including Git workflows, code reviews, automated testing, CI pipelines, API design, and documentation.
Experienced in data analysis, modelling, and simulation using scientific Python tools such as NumPy, pandas, and SciPy.
Skilled in analysing complex, imperfect real-world datasets, including data cleaning, validation, reproducibility, and uncertainty awareness.
Strong technical communication and writing skills, including documentation, reports, and design contributions.
Effective collaborator in multidisciplinary teams, while also able to work autonomously.
Interest in research-driven problem solving, modelling approaches, and long-term scientific projects.
Exposure to reliability, availability, risk modelling, or related domains is advantageous.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month 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.

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.
By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The TE department specializes in maintaining world-class expertise in accelerator technologies, supporting R&D, and managing technical facilities to advance CERN's technological capabilities.

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.