Software Engineer in the area of Machine Learning

The Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) develops and operates a high-performance computing and data research infrastructure that supports world-class science in Switzerland. Its user laboratory is available to domestic and international researchers in academia, industry, and the business sector. The centre is operated by ETH Zurich and has offices at its data centre in Lugano and in Zurich.

For this position the preferred work location is Zurich, but it could also be Lugano.

Project background

We are seeking a driven software engineer to work at the intersection of machine learning and high-performance computing, tackling complex, open-ended challenges to deliver scalable solutions. You will design and optimize a software-defined infrastructure that enables cutting-edge AI / ML projects in a high-performance and data-intensive environment.

We value technical excellence, curiosity, and the ability to learn and grow, rather than a initial perfect match of a skills checklist. If you are motivated to make an impact in this space but do not meet all requirements, we still strongly encourage you to apply.

We are offering a contract initially limited to two years , which will provide the opportunity to contribute to a fast-evolving AI landscape in which CSCS plays a key role and to support high-impact initiatives both nationally and internationally. This includes contributions to the Swiss AI Initiative and similar programs, such as lending support for the development and release of the Apertus models.

The initial two-year contract could potentially be extended or even become permanent.

Job description

• Collaborate with researchers and users to understand and solve complex, real-world problems
• Contribute to AI / ML projects, including large language model training, inference, fine-tuning, and HPC-accelerated workflows
• Develop, maintain, and optimise software and systems, from core libraries programming to scripting and automation
• Take ownership of high-impact tasks and see them through to completion while maintaining effective communication with stakeholders
• Jump into ill-defined problems, explore solutions, and learn along the way

Profile

We welcome engineers with diverse backgrounds who are eager to contribute to our mission. We are primarily looking for strong technical foundations, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to bridge gaps across domains. Curiosity, adaptability, willingness to learn on the job, and potential for growth matter more to us than a perfect initial match of technical requirements.

The technologies listed below illustrate the breadth of our stack and areas of interest. They are not a checklist of requirements, and experience in only some of these areas is expected.

Technical environment and areas of interest :

Personal qualities :

Ways of working :

Our core values as guiding principles :

We offer

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive engineering team and particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in tech. If you are technically adept, curious, and eager to grow, we want to hear from you.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .