Software Engineer

What you'll do

Are you passionate about building and operating large-scale digital services that connect thousands of users across a worldwide scientific community?

As a Computing Engineer in CERN’s IT Department, you will play a key role in delivering and evolving the collaboration and communication services used every day by scientists, engineers and support teams across the Organization. You will help operate critical platforms including email, group management and media services while contributing to the integration of modern cloud and on-premises technologies within CERN’s computing ecosystem.

Working within the Collaboration and Engineering Tools team, you will combine software engineering, service operations and infrastructure automation to ensure that essential collaboration services remain secure, scalable and reliable. You’ll have the opportunity to work with technologies ranging from cloud services, web and automation frameworks, data analytics platforms to Kubernetes/OpenShift, Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online.

This role offers scope for technical leadership, architectural input and service ownership in a complex international environment.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse technical backgrounds and international experience, including those who may not meet every listed technology requirement but bring strong engineering foundations, curiosity and a collaborative mindset.

Your responsibilities

Acting as deputy service manager for CERN's email services and sharing technical ownership of the reliability and evolution of the messaging ecosystem.
Managing and improving the synchronisation of email identities and attributes across Active Directory, Entra ID and Exchange Online.
Operating and evolving CERN's distribution groups archive service.
Operating and evolving the 365 groups provisioning integration to the CERN Computing Resources Portal.
Ensuring seamless synchronisation of group memberships and associated collaboration services across CERN's computing environment.
Participating in strategic projects related to media platforms, video conferencing services and Indico (CERN event management platform).
Contributing to the operation, troubleshooting and continuous improvement of CERN's communication and collaboration services.
Working closely with infrastructure, security and IT service teams to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
Automating processes and improving service observability, reliability and user experience.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience in software/web application development, ideally with some of the following technologies: c#, .Net, Python, JavaScript, Flask, React.js, PostgreSQL.
Familiarity with modern DevOps and infrastructure platforms such as Kubernetes/OpenShift, Puppet or OpenStack.
Experience designing, deploying or operating reliable production services.
Background in addressing scalability, security and reliability challenges in service configuration and delivery.
An interest in large-scale collaboration and communication systems serving thousands of users.
Familiarity with database and/or data analytics technologies, especially SQL and the ELK stack.
Experience with the operation of large-scale email and groupware platforms would be advantageous.
Experience with Microsoft 365, Exchange Online and identity management technologies would be advantageous.
Experience with email architectures and protocols (SMTP, IMAP, POP, routing, connectors, mailing lists and mailbox services) would be advantageous.
Experience with automation of cloud and hybrid environments would be advantageous.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Your skills

Knowledge of programming techniques and languages for software development, scripting, service management and automation (including Powershell, Graph API, Python and C#).
Development of application software.
Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.
Administration of computing systems.
Knowledge of system configuration tools.
Knowledge of best practices for implementing ICT security standards and policies.
Identifies, defines and assesses problems, takes action to address them.
Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
Takes initiative beyond regular tasks and makes things happen.
Demonstrates an openness to new ideas and situations.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

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 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, Croatian and Turkish 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 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.