Real-Time Control System Software Engineer (TE-EPC-CCS-2020-131-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on https://home.cern/.

Introduction
Are you a talented software engineer, passionate about real-time software development and control systems? Are you comfortable in a collaborative development environment using git, Linux and continuous integration techniques? Then join the Electrical Power Converter group for a unique challenge as the next step in your career. CERN, take part!

You will join the TE Department, the Electrical Power Converter Group (TE-EPC), responsible for the power converters for the whole CERN accelerator complex, and the Converter Controls Software Section, which develops and supports the power converters’ control software.

The section is responsible for a large distributed control system for more than five thousand power converters and a dozen static VAR compensators. These range in power from a few watts to 150MW and are used to drive current through the magnets in the accelerators, transfer lines and experiments. The magnets guide and focus the particle beams, so precise control of the currents is critical.

Functions
As a software engineer in the CCS Section, you will be responsible for several pieces of software concerned with power converter controls, running on a large number of front-end computers. Furthermore, you will:

• Support and extend the existing software running on computers interfacing with the hardware.
• Identify requirements for new software classes and new features for existing classes in collaboration with the users and prepare written specifications to meet the needs of accelerator operators and power converter engineers.
• Design, develop, test, deploy, document and maintain new software on the front-end computers.
• Supervise junior software engineers working on the same project.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in the development of real-time software using the C and C++ programming languages.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of software under Linux.
• Demonstrated experience of collaborative software development and testing using version control and continuous integration tools.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: C, C++, bash and Python. Experience with relational database would also be beneficial.
• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures.
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software.

Behavioural competencies

• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner, keeping to the point. Listening actively to others and letting others speak. Utilizing effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles, assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan. Producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements. Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen. Projecting self-confidence when presenting ideas, proposals and opinions. Remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organized approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. Driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion. Delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.

Language skills

Spoken and written English: the ability to draw-up technical specifications and scientific reports and to make oral presentations. The ability to understand and speak French or the undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

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 internal applications should normally reach us no later than 11.01.2021 at 12 pm CET.

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

These functions require:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving license is required.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6–7
Job reference: TE-EPC-CCS-2020-131-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer