Data Engineer

Are you an experienced and motivated data engineer with a passion for data modeling and modern data architectures?

We are currently rebuilding our data platform from the ground up, and we're looking for someone who can help shape its future. If you're at ease designing and implementing robust data pipelines, optimising database queries, integrating diverse data sources, and configuring messaging/event-driven systems, then this is your opportunity.

Join an agile team of talented software developers and contribute to application software for CERN's Corporate Information Systems.

Your responsibilities:

• Collaborate in the design and implementation of a data hub using modern open-source technologies.
• Be responsible for data hub development work packages from design to implementation.
• Design, implement and test data pipelines for data ingestion and data transformation across streaming and batch data flows.
• Develop data models and architectures; convert data into relevant datamarts.
• Participate in and lead cross-team technical initiatives and deliver proof of concepts demonstrating product feasibility.
• Maintain and improve group-wide high standards and guidelines of software engineering practices.
• Identify areas of improvement in the technology landscape of the group and recommend solutions.

Your profile:

• Demonstrated experience in working with complex data ecosystems.
• Experience in implementation of data pipelines and ETL processes.
• Hands-on experience with SQL and at least one relational database.
• Familiarity with data integration tools such as Airflow and dbt.
• Experience with Git and CI/CD workflows.
• Understanding of data modelling concepts such as normalisation, star schema, etc.
• Some experience with streaming data.

Skills:

• Proficiency in SQL, PL/SQL.
• Solid Python programming skills, particularly in data processing.
• Knowledge of data pipeline architecture and orchestration.
• Ability to write clean, modular and efficient code.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Computing Engineer (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: FAP-BC-ENG GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: Computing Engineer

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part

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.