System Engineer (EP-LBC-2024-199-GRAP)

Your responsibilities

At CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), we push the boundaries of science and technology to uncover the universe's deepest mysteries. The LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment relies on advanced computing to process vast experimental data. We are currently evaluating energy-efficient technologies for our data centers, including direct liquid cooling (DLC) and AI/ML techniques, to optimize power consumption and overall operations. We are looking for a Data Center Engineer to lead this initiative and help define the future of our computing infrastructure.

Your Role:

AI and Machine Learning for Data Center Optimization 

• Develop AI/ML models to enhance cooling reliability, optimize energy efficiency and resources utilization.
• Manage server operations intelligently, reducing idle energy consumption through real-time insights.
• Deploy advanced monitoring tools (Prometheus, Grafana, OpenSearch) for actionable insights into performance.

Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Sustainability

• Evaluate the performance and characteristics of different DLC solutions for better define the valuable environment impact for a large scale deployment.
• Understand the operational aspects of DLC, including: testing custom cold plates for both commercial and custom hardware components, and evaluating the safety, maintainability, and stability of DLC systems.

Your profile

Skills

• Extensive experience in Linux environments.
• Proven expertise with Provisioning and Configuration Management tools (Puppet, Foreman) and experience managing CI/CD pipelines.
• Proficiency in Monitoring and Data Visualisation tools (Prometheus, Grafana, OpenSearch).
• Experience with Lifecycle Management, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery for mission-critical infrastructures.
• Proven experience in Data Center Operations, particularly in environments using Free Cooling and large computing infrastructure.
• Strong analytical skills and a commitment to sustainable data center operations.
• Experience applying AI and ML techniques to improve infrastructure monitoring, reliability, and power efficiency would be a plus.
• Familiarity with Data Acquisition systems for High Energy Physics experiments or similar environments would be an asset.
• Good understanding of power consumption optimisation in data centres would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Computer 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: 11.12.2024 at 23:59 hrs CET.

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

Target start date: 01-February-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-LBC-2024-199-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 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 http://home.cern.

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.