Linux System Engineer (BE-CEM-IN-2025-187-LD)

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

Are you a talented Software Engineer with a passion for low-level programming and Linux kernel development? Do you thrive on debugging complex systems and crafting robust, efficient drivers and kernel modules? Are you ready to shape the foundations of the control systems that drive CERN’s world-class accelerator infrastructure? Join CERN’s Controls Electronics and Mechatronics Group as a Linux Kernel Software Engineer and contribute to the development of the next generation of real-time, high-reliability systems for the HL-LHC (High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider) and future accelerator projects. 

Our team is driving and participates to several innovative projects, where your expertise as a software engineer will be vital: 

• Frontend Computer Operating System ( FECOS ): a specifically tailored CERN Linux distribution for x86_64 and aarch64 architectures, tightly integrated with the control environment.
• Sensors Acquisition and Motion Control system ( SAMbuCa ): a flexible and modular low-level control solution for mechatronic devices. It combines custom electronics in PXIe and DI/OT platforms to drive the collimators in HL-LHC.
• White Rabbit ( WR ) is a CERN-born technology and now an industry standard providing sub-nanosecond synchronisation and deterministic data exchange across distributed Ethernet networks to hundreds of users around the world.

Functions

As a Linux System Engineer you will: 

• Take responsibility in new software projects at the level of device drivers, libraries and C/C++ user space code.
• Maintain and evolve existing device drivers, including the re-programming of obsolete parts and the development of new ones as needed.
• Participate in the architecture, design and support of new systems based on VME, PCI/PCIe,, PXI/PXIe, uTCA and MPSoC platforms.
• Collaborate in a small team of developers, taking over tasks such as requirements gathering, planning, quality assurance, continuous integration, tooling, testing and communication with users. 
• Participate in the operational support of the deployed Linux device drivers and low-level libraries. 
• Clearly document and communicate your work. 

Necessary training will be provided where needed.  

Qualifications

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

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in: 

• Linux kernel, its configuration, software packaging, and basic system administration.
• Embedded real-time and UNIX/Linux systems programming.
• Low-level software development (Unix, C, C++), with a strong focus on Linux device driver development.
• CI/CD pipeline implementation, automated testing and tooling using Python and Bash scripting.

The following would be an asset: 

• Contributions to distributed Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) projects, with familiarity with the associated licensing models.
• Familiarity with contemporary hardware design practices - including FPGA, SoC, and microcontroller technologies - as well as experience with programmable logic design using Hardware Description Languages (HDLs). 

Technical competencies:

• Development of system software (drivers, system configuration and monitoring, etc.).
• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures.
• Knowledge of operating systems and knowledge of system configuration tools. 

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
• Solving Problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than "gold -plated" technical solutions Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.

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 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 14.10.2025 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:

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

(For the intro)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 CEM Group, responsible for the development and maintenance of controls hardware and low-level software, electronics design, production and radiation tolerance, mechatronics and robotics, test and measurement systems. 

The IN Section, responsible for the specification, procurement, development and support of Frontend embedded systems and Fieldbus infrastructure for accelerator control and data acquisition. 

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CEM-IN-2025-187-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer