Computing Engineer: S3 Storage & Backup (IT-SD-TAB-2026-209-GRAE)

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CERN is seeking a Computing Engineer for S3 Storage & Backup IT-SD-TAB-2026-209-GRAE to join the Tape Archive and Backup team. This 24 month hybrid role based in Geneva starts 01 November 2026 and covers R&D, software development and operations for a future on premises backup system built on tiered storage with an S3 API, hot data on disk and cold data on tape. Key tasks include integration, testing, migration planning and documentation. Essential: strong C++ and Python on Linux, experience with S3 storage, English with willingness to learn French. Eligibility: CERN Member or Associate Member State, max two years post graduation, Bachelor or Master, no prior CERN fellowship or PhD. Apply by 10 September 2026; benefits include CHF 5266-5793 monthly stipend, 30 days leave, health and pension, relocation and training. Tips: tailor your CV to show software development, systems integration, backup and storage, show monitoring and automation, and confirm your eligibility and start date.

Job Description

Join CERN's Storage and Data Management group, to develop the next-generation backup solution for services across the laboratory. The Storage and Data Management Group is responsible for enabling data access for the laboratory, in particular the long-term archival, preservation and distribution of LHC data to a worldwide scientific community. CERN, take part!

As a Computing Engineer (S3 Storage and Backup Systems), you will join the Tape Archive and Backup (TAB) section, responsible for the CERN Tape Archive software and the management of 1.5 Petabytes of data in cold storage. Your job will include R&D, software development and operations tasks.

The Backup team are developing a future on-premises backup solution based on tiered storage accessed via a S3 API. Hot data is kept on disk and cold data will be migrated to cold storage (tape). You will work on solving technical problems, contributing new software features, and testing and commissioning the new system.

On the operations side, you will be involved in monitoring and performance analysis, troubleshooting problems and diagnosing the cause of any system failures. This includes interaction with services in the Storage and Data Management group and across CERN.

Your responsibilities:

• Integrating backup orchestration with disk and tape storage.
• Developing and maintaining software in C++/Linux, client and server.
• Systems integration, configuration management, testing, monitoring and alerting of the new backup system.
• Contributing to planning the migration of existing services to the new backup solution.
• Participating in operations, troubleshooting and support as part of a team.
• Contributing to procedures and documentation.

Your profile:

• You are experienced in software development with C++ and Python on Linux.
• Ideally you have experience of S3 object storage.
• Additional experience that would be advantageous: Ceph, systems integration, backup systems, tiered storage systems.

Skills:

• C++ software development.
• Linux systems administration.
• Scripting in Bash and Python.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Skills which would be an advantage (but not required; training will be provided where necessary):

• Experience with S3 API, preferably including cold storage (Glacier) extensions.
• Knowledge of databases (SQL).
• Experience with version control systems (e.g. git).
• Experience with containers (e.g. Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of monitoring tools (e.g. Grafana, Prometheus).

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Computer Science or Software Engineering (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 10.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-November-2026

This position involves:

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

Job reference: IT-SD-TAB-2026-209-GRAE

Field of work: Information Technologies

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month 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.

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