C++ Software Engineer (BE-CSS-DSP-2026-90-GRAP)

Are you an experienced Software Engineer with a passion for low-level, real-time systems? Join the Timing team in the Controls Software & Services group, to work on real-time software for the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.

ISOLDE , one of CERN's accelerator facilities, is undergoing a major upgrade, including its timing system to rely on the White Rabbit technology. Our team is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying the C++ software that generates the timing pulses used to synchronise accelerator equipment, and you will be involved in all aspects of this project.

Your responsibilities:

• Learn about the White Rabbit timing system, hardware modules and our real-time software framework for equipment control.
• Contribute to the design of the new ISOLDE timing system.
• Develop and commission the timing system.
• Participate in the design of the software which controls the White Rabbit hardware modules used to synchronise equipment.
• Develop the software following the design.
• Contribute to the adaptation of the existing real-time software to the new timing system.

• Proven experience in C++ development, in a Linux (or Unix-like) environment, including practical experience developing real-time systems.
• Experience with low-level development, libraries and kernel modules.
• Experience applying software quality assurance techniques and practice with corresponding tools.

Skills:

• Hands-on C++ development.
• Knowledge of Linux, low-level libraries and kernel modules.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages on backends and embedded systems.
• Very good knowledge of object-oriented programming principles.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures including DevOps.
• Familiarity with testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting of operational software systems.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
• You have a professional background in Software Engineer (or a related field) and have either:

• a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
• or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.

• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Imagine taking part in the largest scientific experiment in the world. CERN needs more than physicists and engineers - if you're a student, a graduate, just starting your career or an experienced professional, whatever your field of expertise, CERN could be your next opportunity.