Software Engineer in Data Management (EP-ATL-CO-2026-111-GRAP)

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Join CERN’s ATLAS Experiment as a Software Engineer in Data Management on Rucio, the data system used by collaborations for HL-LHC scale. You will evolve transfer and policy engines, improve ATLAS usability and performance, support deployment, maintain core components, and collaborate with CERN and ATLAS. Candidates should have production distributed systems experience, strong Python, Linux and Kubernetes skills, and DevOps practices. English essential with willingness to learn French. Eligibility: CERN Member or Associate State; Master’s with 2–6 years or PhD with up to 3 years; no prior CERN fellowship. Apply by 06.07.2026; 24 month extendable contract, hybrid, Geneva onsite, start Aug 2026. HL-LHC data management experience preferred.

Job Description

We are offering a position within the ATLAS Experiment at CERN, contributing to the development and operation of Rucio, a widely used open-source scientific data management system supporting some of the largest scientific collaborations in the world. Experiments such as ATLAS, CMS, Belle II, SKA, DUNE, and others rely on Rucio to manage globally distributed data at the multi-exabyte scale.

Rucio is developed across CERN's Research & Computing Sector within the EP-ATL-CO section, which focuses on extending, integrating, and operating the system in support of the ATLAS Experiment.

You will join a team of software engineers and computing specialists working on distributed scientific data management. Your work will include contributing to the design and development of Rucio and ATLAS-specific components, supporting the operation of the Rucio deployment for the ATLAS Experiment, and collaborating closely with experts across CERN, the ATLAS collaboration, and the wider Rucio open-source community. You will also contribute to the evolution of the system to meet the data challenges of the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC).

Your responsibilities

• Evolve the transfer and policy engines of Rucio to meet HL-LHC scale requirements.
• Improve the usability, scalability, and performance of Rucio for the ATLAS Experiment.
• Contribute to DevOps and operational activities for the ATLAS Rucio production deployment.
• Help maintain core components of Rucio.
• Contribute to the evolution of Rucio within the broader scientific data management community.

Your profile

• Proven experience in software engineering for distributed, large-scale, or data-intensive systems.
• Strong track record of developing and maintaining production-grade software.
• Experience in the design and implementation of distributed services, APIs, or data management systems at scale.
• Practical experience with DevOps practices, including automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and production service operations.
• Experience operating or supporting production services in Linux-based environments.
• Experience with containerised deployments and orchestration in production environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with scientific computing environments and large-scale data processing frameworks is an advantage.
• Contribution to open-source software projects or experience in collaborative distributed development environments is an asset.

Skills

• Excellent proficiency in Python programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge of distributed systems, data-intensive applications, computer networks, and database technologies.
• Proven experience in software design, system architecture, and CI/CD practices in production environments.
• Proficiency in Linux and Kubernetes-based environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in international, multidisciplinary, and distributed development teams.
• 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 Computer Science (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 06.07.2026 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-August-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: EP-ATL-CO-2026-111-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• 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.

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