Company Description
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.
Job Description
Introduction:
Your job will be to take a central role in maintaining and evolving the CERN Industrial Controls Frameworks used by a community of more than 500 users world-wide. The work will focus on the supervisory/monitoring layer of the Frameworks, which builds on top of the WinCC OA SCADA system.
You will be designing, developing and supporting the required tools, technologies, and services to implement large distributed control systems for CERN’s accelerators, particle detectors and technical infrastructure.
Functions:
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Develop software components spanning across all layers of modern control systems for integration in the CERN Industrial Controls Frameworks including gathering of requirements, design, prototyping, implementation, testing and maintenance.
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Provide CERN-wide support for the Industrial Controls Frameworks and their underlying stack of technologies, notably for the SCADA layer, including in situ expert assistance and training, dialogue with the control system developers using the Framework.
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Proactively contribute to the standardisation and optimisation of industrial control systems; apply quality assurance tools and methods; monitor and analyse the performance of the running systems; propose improvements in the technology landscape and recommend solutions.
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Participate in and lead cross-team technical initiatives, deliver proof of concepts demonstrating product feasibility to the clients.
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Consolidate, modernise and review the Frameworks to meet evolving needs and assure long-term maintenance and compatibility.
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Maintain and improve group-wide high standards and guidelines of software engineering practices.
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Mentor junior software developers.
Qualifications
Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computing / Software Engineering or a related field.
Experience:
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Experience in the design and development of large C/C++ codebases, including GUI and business logic.
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Experience with modern software architectures, API design, architectural patterns, and their application.
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Demonstrated experience with software lifecycle management (tools and procedures, issue tracking systems, Git, CI/CD).
Any of the following experience would be a plus:
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Simatic WinCC Open Architecture commercial SCADA package from Siemens/ETM.
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Experience with architecture, configuration, deployment, management and operation of large distributed control systems, notably for the High Energy Physics Experiments.
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Industry standard communication protocols (e.g. OPC UA).
Technical competencies:
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Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: deep understanding of object-oriented paradigm (preferably C/C++), design and architectural patterns used for modern industrial control systems.
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Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software: working effectively with legacy code through continuous improvement, refactoring, and technology migration. Provide re-usable components that can be shared among multiple controls applications.
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Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: including integration, build and test.
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Knowledge of best practices for developing secure software
Behavioural competencies:
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Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
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Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
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Learning and Sharing Knowledge: taking steps to expand knowledge in other areas of expertise beyond own field.
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Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
Language skills:
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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 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 21.06.2026 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:
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A valid driving licence.
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Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job grade: 6-7
Job reference: BE-ICS-STF-2026-110-LD
Field of work: Software Engineering and IT
Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer
Global Benefits
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A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
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Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
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Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
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A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
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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
