Computing Engineer

What you'll do

Are you a curious and motivated computing graduate, eager to contribute to a global scientific infrastructure? Join CERN and help shape the future of distributed computing by improving how we monitor and understand the use of computing resources across the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), a global collaboration of more than 150 computing centers in more than 40 countries, serving cutting-edge particle physics. As a member of the CERN IT department’s Technical Coordination group, you will contribute to the design, deployment, and validation of a scalable monitoring system for data transfers based on the XRootD protocol. XRootD is a data access technology widely used by LHC experiments to read and move scientific data efficiently across global storage infrastructures. Your work will ensure that data traffic across heterogeneous storage systems is reliably monitored and visible in near real time. This monitoring capability is essential for ensuring transparent data access for experiments and maintaining the reliability of distributed computing operations across WLCG.

Your responsibilities

Contribute to the design, validation, and deployment of site components for XRootD data monitoring, including integration with existing CERN and WLCG infrastructure.
Participate in the validation of monitoring metrics by comparing collector data with network traffic statistics.
Design and implement automated workflows for data quality validation, anomaly detection, and metric correlation across distributed sites.
Collaborate closely with experiment and site administrators to ensure interoperability, scalability, and reliability of the new monitoring framework.
Contribute to the evolution of WLCG monitoring dashboards and data analytics services, using modern DevOps and containerised environments (GitLab CI/CD, Kubernetes).
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of distributed computing, data engineering, and monitoring automation, supporting the global computing infrastructure that underpins scientific discoveries at the LHC.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience or strong interest in software development for distributed systems and large-scale data infrastructures.
Experience or background in data engineering or monitoring pipeline integration (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, InfluxDB).
Exposure to Linux environments, scripting, and Git-based collaborative workflows.
Familiarity with network monitoring, time-series data handling, or performance analysis tools.
Hands-on experience in building or operating containerised services (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift) is desirable.
Your studies focused on Software engineering

Your skills

Programming experience in Python and solid knowledge of Linux environments.
Familiarity with distributed systems, network monitoring, and data streaming frameworks.
Some experience or interest in Go (Golang) would be an advantage.
Knowledge of container and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift).
Familiarity with monitoring and time-series systems such as Prometheus, Grafana, or InfluxDB.
Experience with REST APIs and structured data formats (JSON, Avro, Parquet).
Experience with data processing frameworks such as Apache Kafka or Spark.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French

Ideal start date: 01/02/2026

Contract duration: 24

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 5196-5716 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
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)
Any document you consider relevant to your application
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)

Your CERNDepartment

The IT department delivers essential information technology services, including data processing, storage, and network support for CERN's experiments and infrastructure, while also driving innovation through advanced research and development.

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.