Software Engineer (IT-CA-CET-2026-210-LD)

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. 

Introduction

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.

Functions

You will contribute to the operation, evolution and integration of CERN's collaboration platforms by:

• 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.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Experience:

You should have experience, or a strong interest in developing expertise, in some of the following areas:

• 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 in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Operation of large-scale email and groupware platforms.
• Microsoft 365, Exchange Online and identity management technologies.
• Email architectures and protocols (SMTP, IMAP, POP, routing, connectors, mailing lists and mailbox services).
• Automation of cloud and hybrid environments.

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.

Technical competencies:

• 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.

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.

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 11.11.2026 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

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IT-CA-CET-2026-210-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