We are recruiting for a talented Instrumentation Software Engineer to join our growing team developing a cutting-edge sensing platform for environmental monitoring.
As an Instrumentation Software Engineer, you will build software and firmware solutions for Mode Labs’ core platform technology. You will work to design, build, test, deploy and improve hardware control and acquisition software of an optics-based analytical instrument. You will be working within an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers developing our first commercial product.
Within the technical team, you will:
* Take a major role in the development of our core instrument control and automation software and firmware, running on microcontrollers and embedded computers.
* Work closely with the rest of the technical team to define the software requirements and architecture.
* Take ownership of the tooling and deployment of our software and firmware for beta-test and production instruments.
* Ensure best practices in software DevOps are implemented (CI/CD, automated testing, information security, data integrity, bug/issue tracking) across the company.
* Provide concise technical project plans and reporting of progress.
The role has potential for future growth into areas of data management and analytics, hardware (electronics) design, and/or user interfaces (GUIs and dashboards), depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests.
We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems. We are looking for capable and motivated hires with a high level of technical and practical expertise in production-quality software. A background in the development of IoT systems (devices, networks and databases) is desirable.
Requirements
You will have a technical background in software development for instrumentation (scientific instruments and/or internet-of-things devices) with a minimum of 3 years of industrial experience. A degree in computer science, electronic engineering or physical sciences is beneficial.
You will be able to demonstrate that you have the following (essential characteristics):
* Relevant industrial experience in the development of production-level software for data acquisition, automation, and control of instrumentation.
* Experience working with embedded computing systems (microcontrollers, and single-board Linux computers).
* Working knowledge of C++ or Python. Familiarity or willingness to learn other scripting languages (e.g. bash, PowerShell). You will help to drive Mode Labs' choice of language during development.
* An aptitude for delivering high-quality software which not only works now, but which will be maintainable in production for several years ahead.
* Adaptability and a proactive mindset suitable for working in a start-up.
Desirable characteristics
Ideal candidates will show experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:
* Some experience of responsibility for DevOps (e.g. implementing automated testing, running an issue tracker for a team, etc.).
* Broader technical areas for future growth in the role. Any of: PCB design for embedded computing; database management; or user interface programming.
* Experience in deploying software for IoT devices and networks.
Eligibility: Candidates must be able to prove that they are eligible to work in the UK.
Benefits
Salary:
Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following:
* £48k – £60k for applicants with suitable experience and aptitude.
We will consider expanding the salary range for senior candidates with exceptional expertise.
Benefits:
* Employee share option scheme
* Optional 9-day fortnight work pattern
* Flexible working arrangements where possible
* 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays
* Annual discretionary training allowance
* Company matched pension contributions up to 5%
* Travel to work loan scheme
These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.
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Job Closing Date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.
Interview Dates: Starting October 2025.
Interview Process: Initial telephone/ video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.
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Our Company
Mode Labs, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, are developing an innovative remote autonomous chemical sensor platform to address the growing need to understand and monitor the world around us.
As part of our initial mission, Mode Labs are targeting the development of a remotely deployable sensor to act within the water quality market and address the unmet and growing needs of environmental legislation across the country and beyond. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere.