Software Developer (SY-BI-SW-2025-190-LD)

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

From real-time C++ to modern GUIs,  join CERN and turn cutting-edge physics into reliable software.

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D program.

The position will be in the Software Section of the Beam Instrumentation Group, which is responsible for integrating bespoke acquisition and controls hardware into CERN’s accelerator complex.  The section’s software solutions are essential for delivering essential data to hardware experts, physicists, and operators across all of CERN’s accelerators. 

Functions

As a Software Developer, you will play a key role in developing and maintaining the real-time software that interfaces with bespoke hardware, ensuring seamless synchronization with CERN’s particle accelerators and user needs. Your work will directly contribute to advancing the precision and reliability of the world’s most powerful scientific instruments. You will have access to training, mentoring, and learning opportunities to deepen your technical expertise.

This position offers the opportunity to work on both new developments and the renovation of existing real-time systems during CERN’s Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), a major upgrade phase of the accelerator complex.

You will: 

• Collaborate closely with experts and operators to gather and analyse requirements.
• Model beam instrumentation systems into CERN’s control system using our in-house C++ framework (FESA).
• Design, implement, test, and commission new and upgraded real-time software systems.

During LS3, you will contribute to large-scale modernisation efforts, including:

• Standardising hardware access code and system APIs.
• Adapting software to new accelerator timing distribution.
• Improving performance, maintainability, and reliability through careful redesign and refactoring.
• Placing a strong emphasis on robust testing and safe recommissioning.
• Develop intuitive tools and GUIs, primarily with our in-house PyQt framework, modernising existing Java Swing applications to enhance usability and efficiency.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computer science, software engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in the field of software engineering with an emphasis on developing deterministic software in a real-time environment using C++ .

• Basic knowledge of electronics-based digital acquisition hardware.

• Knowledge and experience of developing GUIs using PyQt, would be an advantage  

Technical competencies:

• Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces.
• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.
• Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations; being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies; learning from own successes and failures; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 12.10.2025 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

This position involves:

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

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: SY-BI-SW-2025-190-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Technical Engineer