Company Description
At CERN, the European Organisation 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 Description
Introduction
As a computing engineer specialised in Linux system administration, you will join a passionate team and take an important role in the operation of the CERN accelerator control system infrastructure. Furthermore, you will participate in numerous strategic projects for the future in terms of operating systems and container and orchestration technology.
You will join:
- The BE Department, responsible for the beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls and performance optimisation for the LHC and its injector accelerators.
- The CSS Group, responsible for providing and supporting the controls software and infrastructure used to operate and maintain these particle accelerators 24 hours a day.
- The ISA Section, a dynamic and quality-oriented agile team, responsible for the CERN Accelerator control system computing infrastructure and system administration.
Functions
- Perform system administration tasks for the Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system (control room consoles, data centre servers, real-time embedded platforms and virtual machines).
- Communicate with end-users to understand their needs and help translate these into appropriate solutions.
- Investigate, diagnose, and resolve operational problems in collaboration with end-users ranging from equipment specialists to operations teams.
- Participate actively in the strategic evolution of the accelerator control system infrastructure towards container technology hosted upon Kubernetes.
Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.
Experience:
- The Linux operating system at an advanced level, particularly RedHat Enterprise Linux and Debian and including aspects relating to networking, storage and security. High-performance and high-availability commercial server platforms.
- Diagnostic and monitoring solutions for critical Linux systems and services, with an awareness of security aspects to be considered in their deployment.
- Configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar and a version control system such as Git.
- Interest in software failure analysis, diagnostics, and validation in a Linux environment.
- Knowledge relating to Kubernetes and container technologies (such as Docker and Podman) would be an advantage.
Technical competencies:
- Knowledge of operating systems, Linux-based support and maintenance.
- Architecture and design of ICT systems, control & data acquisition system, distributed applications and services.
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, system configuration, monitoring, Python and Java environments.
- Knowledge of communication technologies and protocols.
- Installation, operation and maintenance of control 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.
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Communicating Effectively: demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. 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 28.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
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: Fully Onsite
This position involves:
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
Job grade: 6-7
Job reference: BE-CSS-CSA-2025-216-LD
Field of work: Software Engineering and IT
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