Hardware Support Engineer (IT-FCS-HP-2026-191-GRAE)

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CERN is hiring a Hardware Support Engineer to operate the IT layer powering experiments, data centres and the Next Generation Triggers cluster. You will commission new systems, run hardware evaluations and benchmarks, and provide user support with a focus on accelerator cards and GPUs. The role requires strong Linux administration, Python and shell scripting, plus experience with BIOS/UEFI, x86/Arm, virtualization, storage and interconnects. IPMI/Redfish, SNMP and automation tools such as Ansible or Puppet are valued, as is performance debugging and a willingness to learn French. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, up to two years post graduation, and no prior CERN fellowship or contract. Apply by 11 August 2026 23:59 CEST.

Job Description

Are you a skilled hardware support engineer? Does taking the responsibility of running an infrastructure dedicated to accelerating the development of cutting-edge computing technologies for the research community challenge you? Then, join the Fabric and Communication Systems (FCS) group in charge of procuring, managing, and operating the layer providing IT equipment for the CERN experiments and users community, the Data Centres and associated Computing Facilities.

Your responsibilities

As a successful candidate you will be :

• Ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of this infrastructure. You will actively take part in the commissioning of new systems, in particular the ones part of the computing cluster for the Next Generation Triggers project.
• Running hardware evaluation (including benchmarking activities) and providing support to the user community.
• Focus on the deployment and operations of systems equipped with accelerator cards such as enterprise grade GPU.
• Maintain the existing servers, ensuring optimal performance through regular maintenance and upgrades.

Additional opportunities include:

• Interact on a regular basis with industry partners and be exposed to novel technologies.
• Organise topic-oriented workshops.

Your profile

• Proven experience with computer systems (BIOS/UEFI, x86/Arm processor architectures and virtualization, memory, GPU computing), interconnects (Ethernet, Infiniband) and types of storage drives (S-ATA, SAS, NVMe).
• Experience with management and monitoring protocols such as, but not limited to, IPMI / Redfish, SMART and SNMP.
• Extensive experience with Linux and shell scripting.
• Demonstrated experience with Python.

Skills

Skills and/or knowledge:

• Server hardware.
• Python.
• Shell scripting.
• Linux system administration.

Additional assets:

• Familiarity with performance profiling and optimisation of applications.
• Demonstrating the ability to perform performance-oriented debugging.
• Proficiency (or willingness to rapidly acquire it) in utilising software configuration management tools, such as Puppet or Ansible.
• The ability to work in French would be an advantage.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Computer Science / Computer 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: 11.08.2026 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-January-2027

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.

Job reference: IT-FCS-HP-2026-191-GRAE

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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.

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