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 ready to work on one of the most advanced vacuum systems on the planet?

With 130 km of cutting-edge vacuum vessels, CERN operates one of the largest and most complex vacuum systems ever built. If you're driven by the challenge of pushing the boundaries of science and technology, this is your chance to make a mark. Join the Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings Group and be part of something extraordinary!

The Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings (VSC) Group is at the forefront of CERN’s pioneering technological research, overseeing all high and ultra-high vacuum systems across the CERN accelerators. From design to operation, surface engineering to acceptance tests, we handle it all. The Interlocks, Controls and Monitoring section (ICM) is responsible for the controls and monitoring of all the vacuum instrumentation and actuators across the CERN’s accelerator chain, including detectors.

Functions

Within the VSC Group of the TE Department, you will:

• Contribute to the design, configuration, and implementation of the vacuum controls software framework, including SCADA systems, databases, and IT infrastructure, supporting CERN’s accelerator complex;
• Define and configure appropriate test strategies and the associated environments, establish test procedures, and coordinate deployment and system updates as needed;
• Ensure the availability and reliability of production systems and applications in close collaboration with CERN services, internal users and external partners;
• Monitor and analyse the performance of vacuum operational systems and applications; propose, design and implement enhancements;
• Deliver technical support to internal users; gather and analyse feedback to drive iterative system improvements and necessary modifications;
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation exists throughout the lifecycle of the systems and applications, including technical reports, user manuals and procedures.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computing Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Proven experience in

• Developing, maintaining, and operating controls software framework for accelerators, based on WinCC-OA/QT C++ SCADA;
• Designing and developing applications for large control systems’ configuration management, based on relational databases and modern web technologies running on the cloud (Java, Spring Boot, ReactJs, Oracle databases, OKD cloud);
• Controls software upgrade preparation, scheduling, and execution during technical stops and long shut down;
• Applying software quality assurance techniques and practice with corresponding tools (GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, unit tests);
• Software Engineering within an Agile and/or highly collaborative environment.

Technical competencies:

• Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces: sCADA and web applications;
• Development of application software: winCC-OA/QT C++, web applications based on Java Spring and React and relational Databases;
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures;
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software;
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.

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: providing others with timely information Ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented;
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind;
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in professional contexts and the wilingnes 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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 02.02.2025 00.00 Geneva time. 

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

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-VSC-ICM-2024-202-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