Senior Software Engineer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£52,018 - £57,217

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The Ocean Technology and Engineering Group (OTEG) is team of forty scientists, engineers and graduate students who work together to invent, develop and test oceanographic sensors and ocean sampling equipment. Most of the group’s projects are international collaborations and our sensors are deployed worldwide. We actively seek to commercialise our sensors so that they can be used more widely. We are equipped with world class fabrication, testing and design facilities together with instrumentation and analytical laboratories and access to sea going and polar research logistics.

We seek a talented and experienced Software Engineer to join our Electronics and Software team within OTEG. The team designs and implements all of the electronics and embedded software for the sensors and devices produced by the group. It is a hands-on role, you will be working in an electronics laboratory with technologies at all stages of production from prototype electronics through to complete sensors.

You will have the support of the team and we have a well-established software architecture for building sensor systems but you will have personal responsibility for delivering complete software systems for the projects that you are working on, from proof-of-concept through to deployed system, and your work must be to a standard that allows them to be deployed in unpredictable environments for long periods unattended.

You will be expected to offer advice and support to the scientists and engineers in the group and you will also be expected to liaise from time to time with project partners and commercial suppliers outside of NOC to integrate our sensors with third party oceanographic systems. You may occasionally have the opportunity to go to sea or visit other field locations as part of a commissioning team.

About you

We want innovators and problems solvers but above all you must have solid experience. We therefore seek a senior software engineer with experience that includes full responsibility for the entire software development lifecycle for several projects. You must have strong technical programming experience either in embedded systems or at a similarly low level in other contexts and you must have a thorough working knowledge of programming in C.

You must be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience and in particular you must have good organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate your ideas effectively both in presentations and in writing. You must have a willingness to learn new skills and to pass your existing skills onto others. You will get the most out of this job if you have an interest in electronics and a genuine desire to help push forward the science of oceanography.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 23 December 2024.

Closing date: 20 January 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.