At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.
Job DescriptionIntroduction:
You will join the Technology Department's Machine Protection and Electrical Integrity (MPE) Group, which develops and maintains systems that protect accelerator equipment, including magnets and particle-beam-related installations.
Working in a collaborative team of software engineers, you will design, develop and maintain reliable software that supports the safe and efficient operation of the Large Hadron Collider and its injector complex. You will have the opportunity to solve challenging engineering problems, collaborate with experts across different disciplines and contribute to systems that are essential to CERN's scientific mission.
Functions:
- Design, implement, test and maintain software components that interface with equipment protection and interlock systems.
- Monitor deployed applications, investigate technical issues and improve reliability, availability and maintainability.
- Work with engineers, technical specialists and accelerator operations teams during commissioning, testing and operation.
- Understand user requirements, contribute to technical decisions and help deliver sustainable software solutions.
- Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen development workflows, automated testing, continuous integration and software quality, including exploring AI-assisted development tools where appropriate.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to colleagues and students.
- Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computing, Physics or Engineering or a related field.
Experience:
- Solid software engineering experience, including proficiency in Java and/or C++.
- Experience in designing, developing, testing and maintaining software throughout its lifecycle.
- Proficiency with software development practices such as version control, automated testing, continuous integration and delivery.
- Strong technical acumen in translating complex requirements into robust, efficient, and maintainable solutions.
Technical competencies:
- Development of application software: core software design principles and application development.
- Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: including Agile methodologies (Kanban, Scrum), Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, Quality Assurance and DevOps.
- Capturing and analysis of requirements for ICT systems: working with end users to understand their needs and providing corresponding technical solutions.
- Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems: including monitoring, diagnosing and support of live, operational systems.
Behavioural competencies:
- Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
- Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
- Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Building Relationships: being able to put self in the shoes of others in order to understand their needs and interests.
Language skills:
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 29.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.
Employment Conditions:
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Job Flexibility: Hybrid
Job grade: 6-7
Job reference: TE-MPE-CB-2026-213-LD
Field of work: Information Technologies
Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer
Global Benefits
- A competitive salary (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.
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!
More information about us, here: careers.cern
Skills Required
- Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computing, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
- Solid software engineering experience
- Proficiency in Java and/or C++
- Experience designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software throughout its lifecycle
- Experience with version control, automated testing, continuous integration, and continuous delivery
- Ability to translate complex requirements into robust, efficient, and maintainable solutions
- Knowledge of Agile methodologies, including Kanban and Scrum
- Knowledge of quality assurance and DevOps practices
- Experience installing, operating, maintaining, monitoring, diagnosing, and supporting live computing systems
- Spoken and written English, with commitment to learn French
CERN Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CERN and has not been reviewed or approved by CERN.
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Healthcare Strength — Health insurance is comprehensive, covering medical consultations, hospitalisation, surgery, accident care, maternity, and certain disability or dependency risks for eligible personnel and families. Coverage is provided through CERN’s dedicated health-insurance scheme.
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Retirement Support — A defined-benefit pension delivers retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits based on remuneration and years of service. This structure offers predictable long‑term security for eligible staff.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid leave totals about six weeks per year and is supplemented by a two‑week year‑end closure. Family‑related leave and flexible scheduling are also available where eligibility criteria are met.
CERN Insights
What We Do
CERN is an international laboratory for particle physics research, providing unique particle accelerator facilities to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works.
