Control System Software Engineer

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the role:

ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realise our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are now looking for a highly experienced Control System Software Engineer to join our Integrated Control System (ICS) division. Broadly speaking, ICS is tasked with providing and maintaining effective control, timing, protection and safety systems and services for the entire ESS facility.

In this role, you will be expected to coordinate developers, architect systems and participate in code development along with team members. You will use your technical experience and understanding of requirements to lead software developers to deliver effective solutions to help us develop and operate one of the most complex research instruments ever built. At ESS, you'll have a unique opportunity to engage directly with the end-users of our neutron production facility - significantly impacting their work and contributing to their success at one of the largest scientific infrastructure projects in the world.

About you:

To thrive with us in ICS, you need to be driven, responsive and good at spotting both problems and opportunities. You need to be a highly motivated person who isn’t afraid to set high standards for yourself and your colleagues.

First and foremost, we need someone who is suitably qualified and experienced. Ideally, you will have appropriate technical qualifications, however relevant experience in a similar role is more critical than the type of qualification you hold. For this role, the following skills and experience are required:


• Proficiency in Java and Python development, with a solid understanding of software architecture and design patterns.
• Backend development and user experience (UX).
• A background in working with large-scale research infrastructures/facilities.
• Agile methodology adeptness, with experience in CI/CD and release management.

The following skills and experience would be an advantage:


• Knowledge of ESS-related control system architectures such as EPICS or Tango.
• Familiarity with databases (NoSQL like Elasticsearch, relational like PostgreSQL, time series like InfluxDB).
• Security knowledge and tools such as OAuth, OpenID and vulnerability coding practices.

We are building ESS from the ground up, so we need someone who is comfortable not only following procedures, but also creating them. We attach great importance to personality and attitude, so we're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, has excellent communication skills, and who is committed to helping this amazing project to realise its full potential. We need a hands-on self-starter who is able to work in a structured, orderly, responsible and – most importantly – safe way.

The working language of ESS is English and we need someone who can start as soon as possible.

Application process:

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please click on “apply” and follow the instructions to submit your application. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made in English via the ESS website.

This role is subject to additional security clearance procedures. These will be performed as part of the recruitment process.

We review applications continuously, so don’t miss out! Submit your application as soon as you can and quote the job reference number ESD-32874 in your application.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu. For further information regarding the position, please contact the Hiring Manager – Darren Spruce – on darren.spruce@ess.eu 

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on Mikael.Johansson@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu 

We look forward to receiving your application soon!