Online Software Developer – CMS Data Acquisition

About the role

As a Software Developer you will contribute to the upgrade of the CMS data‑acquisition system for the High‑Luminosity LHC. You will design and develop software for FPGA‑based electronics platforms, enabling configuration, control and monitoring of the Trigger and Timing Control and Distribution System (TCDS). Working closely with electronics engineers, physicists and other stakeholders you will help gather requirements, produce detailed documentation and take part in system‑test preparation and execution for a production deployment planned for 2028.

Key responsibilities

• Develop software to configure, control and monitor the various components of the TCDS system, interacting closely with hardware.
• Set up and operate DAQ test systems to validate design parts.
• Maintain and improve software repositories and CI/CD infrastructure.
• Contribute to the installation and commissioning of the Phase‑2 DAQ system between 2027 and 2029.
• Provide support to the CMS community for commissioning sub‑detector data‑acquisition components.

Required profile

• Proficiency in designing and developing complex applications in Python and modern C++.
• Experience with system programming and interaction with computer hardware.
• Experience developing software in collaborative environments and with CI/CD practices.
• Familiarity with firmware development using VHDL or Verilog is an asset.
• Some exposure to data‑acquisition systems in high‑energy‑physics experiments is an asset.

Required skills

• Python
• C++ (modern)
• System programming / hardware interaction
• CI/CD and DevOps practices
• JavaScript, TypeScript and modern web‑UI frameworks
• VHDL or Verilog (optional)

What we offer

• A monthly net stipend of CHF 6 372 or CHF 7 004 depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus a two‑week annual closure.
• Comprehensive CERN health‑insurance scheme for you and your family and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances where applicable.
• A relocation package covering installation grant and travel expenses where needed.
• Possibility to extend the contract up to 36 months.
• On‑the‑job and formal training, including language classes.