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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Introduction

Are you a qualified Software Engineer? Contribute your skills to the design of future high energy detector components in a dynamic and creative environment applying leading edge technical solutions to the concept, design and operation of complex control software for high precision particle detectors. Join CERN's ALICE experiment group. Take part! 

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment), one of the four large experiments of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, is preparing a major upgrade of its detector to cover its future scientific programme planned for the next decade.

The ALICE Detector Control System (DCS) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the experiment, and is a key player in providing relevant environment and conditions data to allow reconstruction of the physics data. The experiment upgrade will see a fundamental change in the DCS dataflow, in the context of the O2 project. This requires a complete redesign of the way the data collected by the DCS is made available for the data processing. More information about the O2 project can be found here: http://alicematters.web.cern.ch/?q=ALICE_02project

The upgrade of the various ALICE detector systems in almost all cases include a major upgrade of their Front End Electronics (FEE). The DCS plays an important role in the operation of the FEE, and is designing an unified interface to configure, monitor, and control the FEE detector.

Functions

As a software engineer, you will play a major role in the design, development and implementation of the software packages and tools developed within the DCS team for the O2 project and the FEE controls. You will also participate in the review and rationalization of the standard DCS system that will be done during the Long Shutdown 2 (LS2).

The person selected will:

• Be in charge of the selection of the new servers for the DCS cluster and you will play a key role in the definition and implementation of the new infrastructure in the computing room at the experiment. You will be responsible for the definition of the internal network and will follow up the installation and operation with the IT services.
• Be responsible for the installation; commissioning and operation of the new DCS computing cluster, including all aspects of system administration; monitoring and maintenance.
• Integrate the DCS team and contribute to the smooth functioning of the present and future DCS system that will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Provide support integration of other ALICE sub-systems in the central DCS.

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

Experience:

The experience required for this post is: 

• Extensive experience in running distributed computing infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in design and implementation of large distributed software systems, including industrial SCADA systems. Experience with WinCC OA would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience working with server hardware benchmarking, installation and operation.
• Proven experience of system management tools and networking.
• Initial experience working with data storage technologies and database tools would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Architecture and design of ICT systems: experience in large distributed systems and integration of heterogeneous systems.
• Development of system software (drivers, system configuration and monitoring, etc.): system management, scripting.
• Installation, operation and maintenance of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems: mature knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems: windows and Linux based server systems and network infrastructure.
• Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces: demonstrated experience of software development in a collaborative environment.

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 Sharing and letting others participate in own work/project; encouraging team development.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; readily accepting new tasks or work/projects.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems; taking action to address them; producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English.
• Ability to understand and speak French or the undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

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. (https://home.cern/about/member-states)

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 31.10.2018

Employment Conditions

Contract type: limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, both when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-AID-DC-2018-104-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further