DevOps Engineer (IT-PW-AH-2025-137-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. 

Introduction

Are you an enthusiastic, talented and experienced DevOps engineer, at ease with the latest Kubernetes and Cloud Native technologies? Are you willing to take a major role in the design and implementation of the next generation of cloud applications and platforms to be used by the CERN's community? Then join CERN and take part in one of the most incredible scientific experiments in the world!

You will join the Applications Hosting services section, which provides the hosting for critical engineering, administration, and IT services. It builds and maintains dedicated platforms for CERN developed applications mainly based on Java as well as commercial software deployments supporting processes in finance, logistics, HR and Oracle web hosting e.g. APEX, ORDS. The section is also in charge of the central web hosting platform based on OpenShift that provides hosting infrastructure and management services for user applications and third-party tools.

Functions

As a DevOps Engineer in the Information Technology (IT) Department, Platforms & Workflows (PW) group your main activities will consist of:

• Operation of applications deployed to Kubernetes and VMs. In case of problems, help with troubleshooting production environments. Respond to monitoring alerts, plan and perform upgrades of all components, monitor resource usage, collaborate with development teams.
• Maintenance and continuous developments of Cloud Native and related technologies (ArgoCD, ArgoWF, Fluentbit, HAproxy) deployed at CERN. Follow technology trends, propose and perform agreed improvements.
• Maintenance of Apache Tomcat, Java and system Docker images. Follow security alerts, deliver new versions, maintain CI/CD workflows. 
• Providing advice and support to developer communities. Share domain and technical expertise, providing technical mentorship and specific training to peers.
• Looking after disaster recovery system based on Restic and S3.
• Managing Linux systems using Puppet configuration management tool.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Experience:

The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience in the following fields:

• Operation of production Kubernetes environments supporting thousands of users.
• Extensive experience with Docker/Podman, Kubernetes and container orchestration engines with a focus on Java.
• Technical and troubleshooting skills with Linux and web components, especially load balancers, Ingress controller, HAProxy, Apache HTTPD or equivalent.
• Practical experience with configuration management systems like Puppet.
• Practical knowledge of scripting languages like Python and Bash.

Additional experience in the following fields would be an asset:

• Demonstrated relevant experience with technologies like ArgoCD, Fluentbit, Prometheus, Opensearch.
• Experience with cloud computing and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Practical knowledge of Kubernetes DevOps practices.
• Advantage: experience with Java based application environments.

Technical competencies:

• Administration of computing systems: management of Kubernetes clusters. Practical knowledge of DevOps tools like ArgoCD and Flux.
• Knowledge of operating systems: working with Linux and debugging applications running on Linux.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: development of Python and Shell scripts, using Git for source code control.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: iTIL and Scrum.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Solving problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than 'gold -plated' technical solutions; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.
• Communicating effectively: checking to ensure that the message has been well understood; ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 12.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IT-PW-AH-2025-137-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer