Software Engineer

What you'll do

You will take responsibility for the maintenance and further development of several key existing beam instrumentation systems. As automation, AI and ML continue to transform scientific computing and software engineering, you will play a major role in the coordination of our group’s efforts as we embark on an ambitious programme to apply these technologies to accelerator instrumentation, data analysis, software development, and system operations.

Your responsibilities

Collaborate with experts, operators, and multidisciplinary teams to understand needs, gather requirements, and develop effective software solutions.
Contribute to the adoption of modern AI-assisted software development tools and practices in collaboration with colleagues across CERN.
Maintain, support, and continuously improve existing beam instrumentation software systems.
Design, develop, test, commission, and maintain new and upgraded real-time software systems.
Contribute to knowledge sharing within the team and, where appropriate, supervise and mentor students or early-career talent.
Enhancing the performance, maintainability, and reliability of beam instrumentation systems through thoughtful redesign, refactoring, comprehensive testing, and safe recommissioning.
Designing, developing, deploying, and optimising machine learning solutions for a range of beam instrumentation applications, such as anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, signal classification, and automated diagnostics.

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Your profile

Demonstrated experience in the field of software engineering with an emphasis on developing deterministic software in a real-time environment.
Experience applying AI and machine learning techniques to engineering, scientific, or software development challenges.
Familiarity with large language models and AI-assisted software engineering, or agent-based systems is considered an advantage.
Basic knowledge of electronics-based digital acquisition hardware.
Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computer science, applied physics or a related field.

Your skills

Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS: using Python and C++?.
Conceptualising, designing and developing new methods of exploiting measurement and diagnostic data with a view to improving accelerator and instrument efficiency.
Development and deployment of machine learning and AI-based solutions for data analysis, diagnostics, and system optimisation.
Re-engineering, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.
Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software.
Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
Works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
Readily absorbs new techniques and working practices; proposes new or improved ways of working.
Shares knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaches others to ensure knowledge transfer.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/12/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, 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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, 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 SY department oversees the science and technology related to accelerator technical systems, including beam instrumentation, beam transfer, power converters, particles generation and their interaction with matter, and radio frequency systems. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of new hardware and software for CERN’s accelerator complex.

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.