Computing Technical Engineer

Computing Technical Engineer (EP-CMG-CO-2023-36-LD)
Geneva, Switzerland
Contract


Company Description
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 http://home.cern.


Job Description

Introduction
Work with us to develop, operate and evolve the data and workflow handling systems of the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) experiment at CERN. CERN is the birthplace of the World Wide Web and one of the world leading laboratories for particle physics! Join the CERN's CMS Group in the Experimental Physics Department as a Computing Technical Engineer for a unique challenge as the next step in your career. CERN, take part!

The CERN EP CMS Group (CMG), is also involved in the development of the computing tools used to deliver the datasets necessary to physics analysis and discoveries as well as their operation at scale on the WLCG Computing Grid. We manage more than half an Exabyte of tape storage, 250 PB of disk, and about half a million CPU cores, provided by various data centres including High Performance Computers. Centrally, we ensure that data processing jobs are run correctly and their output safely stored.

The present infrastructure of central services has been evolved to extend its functionality and rationalise its deployment. The workload management system and job submission infrastructure can now take advantage of non-x86 CPUs and hardware accelerators. The data management system relies on the community driven tool Rucio, and we have been working to make an even more active usage of cold and warm storage in order to provide all the datasets needed by the CMS physics program in the most timely manner.


More information about the EP Department and CMS experiment is at https://ep-dep.web.cern.ch/ and https://cms.cern.ch/ respectively.


Functions
The selected candidate will join the computing operations and data management development activities in the Computing (CO) section of the CMG group.

As a Computing Technical Engineer, you will:
- Maintain, develop and operate the Rucio-based data management system of CMS, adapting it to the new needs arising on the way to Run 4.
- Maintain, develop and operate the workflow management system, most notably enhancing its interactions with the data management system.
- Interface to the development teams of major computing tools such as Rucio and communicate with inter-experimental initiatives such as the ones organised by WLCG.
- Maintain and improve the workflow and data management documentation (procedures; regular reports; incident analysis; user documentation), providing peers and junior colleagues with technical expertise and advice.


Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computer engineering or a related field.

Experience:
The candidate should have experience in at least some of these areas:
- HEP workflow and data management
- Grid infrastructure and Grid technologies
- Testing and troubleshooting distributed systems
- Python programming language and Grafana stack

The following additional experience would be an asset:
- Batch systems and mass storage systems, including their interactions
- User support or communication with large groups of internationally distributed colleagues
- Utilisation of High Performance Computers for high throughput computing

Technical competencies:
- Knowledge of Python and bash scripting
- Knowledge of deployment of computing software
- Usage of distributed computing infrastructures
- Linux, shells and containers

Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
- Communicating effectively: providing others with timely information.
- Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
- Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.

Language skills:
- Good knowledge of English is required; ability to draw-up technical specification and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.
- Basic knowledge of French or an undertaking to acquire it rapidly.


Additional Information

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 24.04.2023.


Employment Conditions

Contract type:
Limited duration contract (3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.


These functions require:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.


Job grade: 4-5
Job reference: EP-CMG-CO-2023-36-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Computing Technical Engineer