Software Engineer for SCADA systems (HSE-TS-CS-2023-12-LD)

Introduction

Are you a skilled and experienced software engineer? Would you like to be a key player in providing a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system? Are you willing to contribute to a unique working environment at the heart of one of the world’s most complex and exciting scientific experiments? Then, this opportunity is for you - join the largest particle physics research laboratory in the world. CERN, take part!

The Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Unit (HSE) is the Organization’s centre of competence in matters of Safety and supports all parts of the Organization in the implementation of CERN’s Safety Policy . You will join the Computing Support (CS) section of the Transversal Services (TS) group of HSE, which is responsible for mission-critical software development for various safety related activities (Radiation protection, Environmental protection, Incident prevention, Safety Inspections…). Within the CS section you will be part of a dynamic and quality-oriented team in charge of providing a SCADA system for radiation- and environmental monitoring.

Functions

The CERN radiation - and environmental monitoring system supervises thousands devices of diverse types installed in accelerator, experimental and surface areas, connected to the network and providing a real-time view of the impact of CERN activities on workplaces and the environment. The system acquires and archives 10.000.000 values/hour, allows users to configure the devices remotely and triggers alarms in the CERN Control Center (CCC).

You will take a major role in the development and evolution of SCADA systems supporting the CERN radiation and environmental monitoring system. In particular, you will:

• Design the architecture and technical implementation of distributed and redundant SCADA systems;
• Lead future development projects, taking the technical lead and coordinating the work with your team members and CERN-wide stakeholders;
• Organize the support, ensuring that the systems is operational 24/24 365 days a year;
• Investigate, diagnose and resolve operational problems in collaboration with end-users ranging from equipment specialists to operations teams;
• Lead performance studies and optimization;
• Collaborate and share knowledge and solutions with highly skilled software engineers both inside the team and within the Organization;
• Communicate with the end-users to understand their needs and help translate these into appropriate solutions;
• Mentor junior developers.

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of software engineering or a related field.

Experience:

The following are required for this post:

• Extensive experience in C++ development in a Unix environment;
• Extensive experience in SCADA system development;
• Demonstrated experience in relational databases development;
• Proven experience in developing distributed and highly reliable safety software system.

The following are considered assets but are not mandatory:

• Experience in Linux compilation toolchains and build systems (CMake, GCC, …);
• Experience in communication protocols and networking stacks (TCP/IP, Modbus, MQTT, SSH, …);
• Experience in non-relational and/or time series databases (HBase, InfluxDB, …) ;
• Experience in big data technologies (Apache Kafka, Hadoop, ElasticSearch, Apache Spark, …);
• Experience in technical supervision of teammate(s);
• Knowledge in project management.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: including object-oriented programming principles, for SCADA systems and C++ drivers.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: including DevOps
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software
• Design of databases/repositories: oracle SQL or equivalent.
• Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems

Behavioural competencies:

• 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 Sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer Thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies
• Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information 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 Instigating and promoting change as an opportunity for organisational development

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with the ability to draw-up technical specifications, and/or to make oral presentations. The knowledge of the French language or the willingness to acquire this rapidly would be an advantage.

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 15.03.2023.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: HSE-TS-CS-2023-12-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer