Software Engineer - High-Performance Computing (EP-SFT-2026-137-LD) — CERN
CHF 60'500 - 91'500
CERN · Geneva, GENEVA, Switzerland (GE)
- Location
- Geneva
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 16 days ago
SalaryCHF 60'500 - 91'500
Role overview
Introduction This role focuses on improving and evolving software developed in the EP-SFT group such as Geant4 and ROOT , two core software frameworks used for particle physics simulation and data analysis at CERN and laboratories worldwide.
The position involves optimising and redesigning key components to run efficiently on modern high-performance computing systems, with a strong emphasis on GPU acceleration and large-scale parallel processing. of CERN
Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!
- Introduction This role focuses on improving and evolving software developed in the EP-SFT group such as Geant4 and ROOT , two core software frameworks used for particle physics simulation and data analysis at CERN and laboratories worldwide.
- The position involves optimising and redesigning key components to run efficiently on modern high-performance computing systems, with a strong emphasis on GPU acceleration and large-scale parallel processing. of CERN
- include contributing to next-generation technologies such as AdePT for GPU-based particle transport, enhancing performance for exabyte-scale data processing, and developing tools for profiling, testing, and validation.
- Working at the intersection of HPC, C++ software engineering, and experimental physics, the role directly supports future research initiatives including the High-Luminosity LHC and the Future Circular Collider. Functions
Main responsibilities
- include contributing to next-generation technologies such as AdePT for GPU-based particle transport, enhancing performance for exabyte-scale data processing, and developing tools for profiling, testing, and validation.
- Working at the intersection of HPC, C++ software engineering, and experimental physics, the role directly supports future research initiatives including the High-Luminosity LHC and the Future Circular Collider. Functions
- Devise Performance Strategy: Define and execute the performance roadmap for Geant4 and ROOT, also focusing on GPU architectures (CUDA, SYCL) and the exploitation of advanced features of programming languages, such as C++.
- Hands-on Development: Implement and refactor critical hot loops, memory layouts, and kernel launches.
- Use state-of-the-art tools to identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
- Take part in the overall organisation of data simulation, processing, and analysis activities within the EP-SFT group’s
- Projects, including work planning, the organisation of workshops and trainings, and representing the projects and their vision.
- Engage with the projects’ user communities, foster collaboration within the SFT group, the EP department, and CERN, and encourage external contributions from laboratories, universities, and other partners.
- Supervise team members and coordinate activities related to the EP-SFT data simulation, processing, and analysis projects.
- Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science, Physics or a related field. Experience:
Application process
- Development of application software, advanced C++ and Python.
- Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software, gPU profiling, memory optimisation, parallel debugging.
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, parallel programming techniques such as CUDA, std::thread, TBB, or MPI.
- Experience with the usage of Clang and LLVM would be considered an advantage.
- Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures (GitLab CI, JIRA, CMake, Spack) would be considered an advantage. 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: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available.
- Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
Company and context
- 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.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- Job grade: 6-7 Job reference: EP-SFT-2026-137-LD Field of work: Software Engineering and IT Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer Global Benefits
- 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.
Additional details
- The position involves optimising and redesigning key components to run efficiently on modern high-performance computing systems, with a strong emphasis on GPU acceleration and large-scale parallel processing.
- Responsibilities include contributing to next-generation technologies such as AdePT for GPU-based particle transport, enhancing performance for exabyte-scale data processing, and developing tools for profiling, testing, and validation.
- Working at the intersection of HPC, C++ software engineering, and experimental physics, the role directly supports future research initiatives including the High-Luminosity LHC and the Future Circular Collider.
- Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science, Physics or a related field.
- Experience in supervising and coordinating external contributors would be desirable. Technical competencies:
- Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures (GitLab CI, JIRA, CMake, Spack) would be considered an advantage. Behavioural competencies:
Notes and original content
- Experience:
- Experience in supervising and coordinating external contributors would be desirable.
- Technical competencies:
- Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures (GitLab CI, JIRA, CMake, Spack) would be considered an advantage.
- Behavioural competencies:
- Overview of CERN
