Great people, lots of outdated bureaucracy. - Software Engineer CERN Employee Review

3.0
16 Aug 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great pay if you don't live in switzerland. Beautiful and interesting place to work, lot of history was written there. Restaurant in-place with good and cheap menu. Very smart and diverse people around. Good work/life balance.

Cons

Lots of bureaucracy for anything. Career path is restricted if you did not have the right diplomas when signing the contract (does not matter if you got them after). There's lots of internal political games, sometimes they overrule common sense. Very small raises, and not often. Make sure you are paid the amount you are willing to earn for the rest of your contract, when signing the contract. Unfair salary scales, no matter what you do, you get paid by the number of diplomas.

Explore other reviews about CERN

5.0
22 Apr 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The employment process is very smooth and supportive. The technical team interviewed me for technical skills, and the HR is very supportive and helpful. Especially I haven't been employed by CERN previously, so I have a lot of questions. The employment team is very helpful and answered all my questions patiently. Also I like the job and my work very much.

Cons

Maybe the primary communication method could be email instead of phone calls? I sometimes miss phone calls, but will check every email.

1
5.0
16 Oct 2025
Anonymous intern
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Interesting work and projects Talented work force Lots of opportunities to learn

Cons

Expensive area Should learn French to an intermediate level

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