📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: DevOps Engineer (IT-CS-CT-2025-59-LD)
• Company: CERN
• Location: Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
• Job Type: Contract
• Category: DevOps Engineer
• Date Posted: 2025-06-13
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain software for managing CERN's advanced network and telecom infrastructure
• Collaborate with a passionate team to improve network solutions and increase software quality
• Contribute to the effective management of CERN's large-scale infrastructure using automation solutions
• Leverage your full-stack expertise to work on multiple layers of the software stack

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in both frontend and backend development, as well as experience with databases and networking. Familiarity with agile methodologies and continuous integration is also essential.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop IT/CS web interfaces for network and telephony changes, ensuring user-centric design and accessibility
• Participate in designing and developing new modules for the internal IT/CS network and telecom management framework, such as network and IP telephony automation/provisioning
• Promote and develop procedures and tools to enhance the quality of produced software, including continuous integration and automated testing frameworks
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to their professional growth
• Propose and implement changes in the database model and network APIs to support service integration solutions in CERN's data centers
• Stay up to date on software technology trends and incorporate them into CERN's infrastructure management

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working on various aspects of the software stack, from frontend development to backend services and databases. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team are crucial for success in this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science or a related field

Experience:

• Proven experience in development and maintenance of large software packages in Java
• Demonstrated experience in using current web front-end technologies (JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, REST, etc.)
• Experience in software development life cycle: unit testing, continuous integration, version control, documentation
• Database design and working knowledge of SQL
• User-centric design principles and methodologies
• Understanding of TCP/IP addressing and networking

Required Skills:

• Java, Spring, Hibernate
• JavaScript, Web application development
• PL/SQL
• Agile methodologies, continuous integration, software reviews
• Requirements specification collection and analysis, proposal for new software architectures
• Development tools, specification, design, and maintenance of mechanisms for modeling large and complex infrastructures
• Specialized 3rd line support to business specialists

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with CERN's specific network and telecom infrastructure
• Experience with high-performance computing environments
• Knowledge of French (would be an advantage)

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate your full-stack development skills with examples of frontend, backend, and database projects
  • Showcase your experience with network and telecom infrastructure management, highlighting your contributions to improving large-scale software systems
  • Include examples of your mentoring and knowledge-sharing activities, such as blog posts, tutorials, or open-source contributions

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide code comments, documentation, and version control history demonstrating your commitment to software quality and maintainability
  • Include performance metrics, testing methodologies, and optimization techniques used in your projects

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN values diversity and encourages applications from all Member States and Associate Member States. When preparing your portfolio, emphasize your ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and contribute to CERN's mission of promoting peace and understanding through scientific research.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary for this position is not specified in the job listing. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a DevOps Engineer at CERN is approximately CHF 90,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific role within the organization.

Benefits:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus additional leave for CERN's closure period between Christmas and New Year
• A take-home pay of approximately 70% of the contract value, after tax and social security deductions
• A monthly meal allowance
• A contribution to the cost of public transport or a car allowance
• Health insurance & pension scheme

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of working nights, Sundays, and official holidays when required by the needs of the Organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: CERN is a research organization dedicated to exploring the fundamental structure of the universe through particle accelerators and other technologies. The organization values diversity, collaboration, and innovation in its pursuit of scientific discovery.

Company Size: CERN employs around 2,500 people from over 600 user institutions in over 100 countries. The organization has a decentralized structure, with various departments and groups working together to achieve its mission.

Founded: CERN was founded in 1954, and it is located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland.

Team Structure:

• The Information Technology (IT) Department provides computing services for all aspects of the laboratory's activities, including the Communication Systems (CS) Group, which oversees the Networking & Telecom Infrastructure
• The Communication Systems (CS) Group is responsible for providing network solutions to various users, including desktops, data centers, high-performance physics computing, and the accelerator controls
• The Communication Tools Section (CT) is a team of passionate software developers in charge of designing, developing, and maintaining the software suite used to model, configure, support, and manage the CERN networks and telecom infrastructures

Development Methodology:

• CERN uses agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on continuous integration and automated testing
• The organization encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its teams, fostering a culture of innovation and improvement

Company Website: https://home.cern/

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced full-stack developer with a strong background in both frontend and backend development, as well as experience with databases and networking. Familiarity with agile methodologies and continuous integration is also essential.

Reporting Structure: As a Software Developer in the CT Section, you will report directly to the Section Leader and work closely with other team members to design, develop, and maintain software for managing CERN's advanced network and telecom infrastructure.

Technical Impact: In this role, you will have a significant impact on CERN's network and telecom infrastructure management, contributing to the effective management of the organization's large-scale infrastructure using automation solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: CERN offers opportunities for professional development and training, allowing you to expand your skills and knowledge in web technologies, networking, and infrastructure management
• Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated expertise, you may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the team, mentoring junior developers and contributing to the organization's technical strategy
• Career Progression: CERN offers career progression opportunities, with the possibility of moving into more senior roles or specialized positions within the organization

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN values diversity and encourages applications from all Member States and Associate Member States. When preparing for your application, consider how your unique background and experiences can contribute to the organization's mission and culture.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: CERN's offices are modern and well-equipped, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. The organization encourages a flexible and inclusive work environment, with a strong commitment to work-life balance.

Office Location(s): CERN's main campus is located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland. The organization also has offices in other locations around the world, including at its member states.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Web Development Environment: CERN's offices are designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members, with open-plan workspaces and dedicated meeting rooms
• Development Tools: CERN provides its employees with access to state-of-the-art development tools, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and other resources to support their work
• Web Development Team Interaction: CERN's web development teams are integrated with other departments and groups within the organization, fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Work Schedule: CERN offers a flexible work schedule, with the possibility of working remotely or on a part-time basis, depending on the specific role and team requirements. The organization also offers flexible leave arrangements, including annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave.

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Technical Assessment: A technical assessment or coding challenge focused on web development fundamentals, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design principles
2. System Design Discussion: A discussion of web architecture, performance optimization, and scalability considerations for large-scale infrastructure management
3. Team Fit Assessment: An interview with the web development team to assess your cultural fit and ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
4. Final Evaluation: A final evaluation of your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and potential to contribute to CERN's mission and culture

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Curation: Tailor your portfolio to showcase your full-stack development skills, with a focus on frontend, backend, and database projects that demonstrate your ability to work on multiple layers of the software stack
• Live Demo Presentation: Prepare a live demo of your most relevant projects, highlighting your contributions to improving large-scale software systems and your experience with network and telecom infrastructure management
• Code Quality Demonstration: Include examples of your code quality, documentation, and version control practices, demonstrating your commitment to software maintainability and best practices

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Web Development Exercise Format: Familiarize yourself with common web development exercise formats, such as algorithmic problems, system design questions, and code challenges
• Time Management: Practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete technical challenges within the given time frame
• Communication Skills: Develop your communication skills to articulate your technical concepts clearly and effectively during the interview process

ATS Keywords:

• Programming Languages: Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PL/SQL
• Web Frameworks: Spring, Hibernate
• Server Technologies: Networking, TCP/IP, IP telephony, automation, provisioning
• Databases: SQL, PL/SQL
• Tools: Agile methodologies, continuous integration, software reviews, version control, documentation
• Methodologies: Requirements specification collection and analysis, proposal for new software architectures, database design, network APIs
• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, knowledge-sharing, mentoring, teamwork, collaboration
• Industry Terms: Network and telecom infrastructure management, user-centric design, software quality, continuous integration, automated testing

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies:

• JavaScript: Proficient in modern JavaScript frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, or Vue.js
• HTML5: Experience with HTML5 and responsive design principles for cross-browser compatibility
• CSS: Familiarity with CSS preprocessors, such as SASS or LESS, and CSS frameworks, such as Bootstrap or Material-UI
• User Interface Libraries: Experience with user interface libraries and component development for building reusable and maintainable UI components

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Java: Proficient in Java development, with experience in building large-scale web applications and APIs
• Spring: Familiarity with the Spring Framework and its ecosystem, including Spring Boot, Spring MVC, and Spring Security
• Hibernate: Experience with Hibernate ORM and its extensions, such as JPA and Hibernate Search
• Networking: Strong understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, routing, and switching
• IP Telephony: Familiarity with IP telephony systems and protocols, such as SIP and H.323

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Version Control: Experience with version control systems, such as Git or SVN, and their integration with continuous integration pipelines
• Continuous Integration: Familiarity with continuous integration tools, such as Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI, and their integration with version control systems
• Automated Testing: Experience with automated testing frameworks, such as JUnit, TestNG, or Mocha, and their integration with continuous integration pipelines
• Deployment Automation: Familiarity with deployment automation tools, such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, and their integration with continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines
• Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools, such as Prometheus, Grafana, or New Relic, and their integration with alerting and notification systems

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• User-Centric Design: CERN places a strong emphasis on user-centric design principles, ensuring that its web applications are intuitive, accessible, and responsive
• Performance Optimization: CERN is committed to optimizing the performance of its web applications, with a focus on reducing load times, improving scalability, and enhancing user experience
• Code Quality: CERN values code quality and maintainability, with a focus on writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code
• Collaborative Development: CERN encourages a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with a focus on working together to improve software quality and effectiveness

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: CERN's web development teams work closely with other departments and groups within the organization, including designers, marketers, and stakeholders, to ensure that web projects align with the organization's mission and objectives
• Code Review Culture: CERN values code review as a critical component of its software development process, with a focus on ensuring code quality, consistency, and maintainability
• Knowledge Sharing: CERN encourages knowledge-sharing and mentoring, with a focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Web Development Challenges: CERN's web development teams face a wide range of technical challenges, including the need to optimize web applications for performance, accessibility, and cross-browser compatibility
• Networking Challenges: CERN's network and telecom infrastructure is complex and diverse, requiring a deep understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and best practices
• Scalability Challenges: CERN's web applications must be designed to scale to meet the demands of a large and diverse user base, with a focus on ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Web Technology Skill Development: CERN offers opportunities for professional development and training in web technologies, including frontend development, backend development, and full-stack architecture
• Emerging Technologies: CERN encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in web development, networking, and infrastructure management
• Technical Mentorship: CERN's web development teams offer opportunities for technical mentorship, with a focus on fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Web Development Fundamentals: Brush up on your knowledge of web development fundamentals, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design principles
• Web Architecture: Familiarize yourself with web architecture concepts, including microservices, serverless architecture, and event-driven architecture
• Problem-Solving: Develop your problem-solving skills, with a focus on algorithmic problems, system design questions, and code challenges

Company & Culture Questions:

• CERN's Mission and Values: Research CERN's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals
• Web Development at CERN: Familiarize yourself with CERN's web development teams, their structure, and their role within the organization
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Prepare for questions about your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, with a focus on knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Live Website Demonstration: Prepare a live demo of your most relevant projects, highlighting your contributions to improving large-scale software systems and your experience with network and telecom infrastructure management
• Code Explanation: Include examples of your code quality, documentation, and version control practices, demonstrating your commitment to software maintainability and best practices
• User Experience Showcase: Prepare a showcase of your user experience design skills, with a focus on accessibility, responsiveness, and performance optimization

📝 Enhancement Note: CERN is an international organization with a diverse workforce and a strong commitment to promoting peace and understanding through scientific research. When preparing for your application, research the organization's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this DevOps Engineer position at CERN:

1. Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to showcase your full-stack development skills, with a focus on frontend, backend, and database projects that demonstrate your ability to work on multiple layers of the software stack
2. Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant web development and infrastructure management experience, with a focus on your contributions to improving large-scale software systems and your experience with network and telecom infrastructure management
3. Prepare for Technical Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common web development exercise formats, such as algorithmic problems, system design questions, and code challenges, and practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete technical challenges within the given time frame
4. Research CERN: Learn about CERN's mission, values, and culture to ensure a strong fit with your personal and professional goals, and prepare for questions about your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, with a focus on knowledge-sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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