Linux Kernel Software Developer (BE-CO-HT-2019-112-LD)

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

Do you love low-level, real-time software development? Are you an expert at building embedded Linux systems? Apply now to have your chance to work on the systems of the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. Take part!

In the Beams Department (BE), Controls Group (CO), Hardware and Timing Section (HT) you will work in a team of developers of Linux device drivers and other low-level software. The BE-CO Group is responsible for providing and supporting the controls infrastructure used to operate the CERN accelerators 24/7. The HT Section is in charge of providing hardware support and maintaining a standard set of modules that can be used to build control systems. This support includes the development or procurement of the hardware and the associated device drivers. The supported platforms include VMEbus and PCI/PCIe (industrial PCs, PXI/PXIe, uTCA), and the operating system currently in use is Linux.

Functions

You will:

• Take responsibility in new software projects at the level of device drivers, libraries and C/C++ user space code.
• Take responsibility for the maintenance of existing device drivers including the re-programming of obsolete parts and the development of new components.
• Participate in the architecture and design of new systems based on PXI/PXIe and uTCA platforms.
• Participate in the design of software support for platforms based on System-on-Chip (SoC) components.
• Collaborate in a small team of developers, taking over tasks such as requirements gathering, planning, quality assurance, continuous integration, tooling, testing and communication with users in equipment groups.
• Participate in the operational support of the deployed Linux device drivers and low-level libraries.
• Document and present your work as appropriate.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computer science or a related field.

Experience:

Required

• Extensive experience in low-level software development (Unix, C/C++), in particular Linux device drivers.
• Extensive experience of embedded real-time systems programming.
• In-depth experience in the Linux kernel.
• Participation in distributed development of Free/Open Source software projects and knowledge of the different licensing options for such projects.

Nice to have

• Experience with working on the PCI/PCIe and VMEbus platforms would be an advantage.
• Experience with programmable logic design using Hardware Description Languages and SoCs would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the Python programming language for tooling, CI and testing would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Development of software for embedded and real-time systems with/without OS.
• Development of system software (drivers, system configuration and monitoring, etc.).
• Architecture and design of ICT systems.
• Control & data acquisition systems, distributed applications and services.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; allocating appropriate amount of time for completing tasks; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; recognizing what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture.
• Communicating effectively: successfully changing other people's opinions by persuasive arguments; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Working in teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues; debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 25.11.2019

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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.
• Work in radiation controlled areas, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-CO-HT-2019-112-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

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