System Administrator (BE-CSS-ISA-2025-216-LD)

As a computing engineer specialised in Linux system administration, you will join a passionate team and take an important role in the operation of the CERN accelerator control system infrastructure. Furthermore, you will participate in numerous strategic projects for the future in terms of operating systems and container and orchestration technology.

You will join:

• The BE Department, responsible for the beam generation, acceleration, diagnostics, controls and performance optimisation for the LHC and its injector accelerators.
• The CSS Group, responsible for providing and supporting the controls software and infrastructure used to operate and maintain these particle accelerators 24 hours a day.
• The ISA Section, a dynamic and quality-oriented agile team, responsible for the CERN Accelerator control system computing infrastructure and system administration.

Functions

• Perform system administration tasks for the Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system (control room consoles, data centre servers, real-time embedded platforms and virtual machines).
• Communicate with end-users to understand their needs and help translate these into appropriate solutions.
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve operational problems in collaboration with end-users ranging from equipment specialists to operations teams.
• Participate actively in the strategic evolution of the accelerator control system infrastructure towards container technology hosted upon Kubernetes.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field., * The Linux operating system at an advanced level, particularly RedHat Enterprise Linux and Debian and including aspects relating to networking, storage and security. High-performance and high-availability commercial server platforms.

• Diagnostic and monitoring solutions for critical Linux systems and services, with an awareness of security aspects to be considered in their deployment.
• Configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar and a version control system such as Git.
• Interest in software failure analysis, diagnostics, and validation in a Linux environment.
• Knowledge relating to Kubernetes and container technologies (such as Docker and Podman) would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of operating systems, Linux-based support and maintenance.
• Architecture and design of ICT systems, control & data acquisition system, distributed applications and services.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, system configuration, monitoring, Python and Java environments.
• Knowledge of communication technologies and protocols.
• Installation, operation and maintenance of control systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Communicating Effectively: demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.

Language skills:

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

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Imagine taking part in the largest scientific experiment in the world. CERN needs more than physicists and engineers - if you're a student, a graduate, just starting your career or an experienced professional, whatever your field of expertise, CERN could be your next opportunity.