Senior Software Engineer (C++ / Windows Desktop)
Warrington
Full-Time
£48,000-£52,000 + Bonus
About The Company
We're partnered with an organisation who design and manufacture high-performance systems used in cutting-edge scientific and industrial research.
They are a medium-sized organisation with a collaborative, close-knit culture. The software team is small (currently four engineers), highly skilled and plays a central role in delivering mission-critical systems that scientists rely on every day.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer with strong expertise in C++ Windows desktop development to take a leading role in their flagship scientific application.
This is not a maintenance-only role. You will:
Lead development of a Windows desktop application written in C++
Control and interface with highly specialised scientific instrumentation
Develop features that enable scientists to configure experiments, acquire data and perform analysis
Optimise performance, improve security, and resolve complex technical issues
Help ensure compliance as we expand into new global markets
You'll be stepping into a key position within the team. With upcoming succession planning over the next 12 months, this role offers the opportunity to take increasing technical ownership and leadership responsibility.
What You'll Be Doing
Design, develop and maintain Windows desktop applications in C++
Enhance GUI functionality and user experience (RAD Studio preferred; Visual Studio also considered)
Collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to implement data acquisition and analysis features
Troubleshoot software issues, including critical release fixes where sound technical judgement is essential
Contribute to compliance, performance optimisation and security improvements
Provide occasional technical support input where required
Produce clear documentation to support long-term maintainability
This is effectively a full-stack desktop role - spanning UI design, application logic and system-level integration.
About the Team
4-person software team
Embedded developers supporting hardware integration
A collaborative engineering environment within a manufacturing setting
Strong knowledge-sharing culture
Opportunity to learn from senior team members ahead of planned retirement transitions
You'll be someone the team can trust, particularly when making technical decisions during high-pressure release situations.
Essential Skills & Experience
Minimum 5 years' experience developing Windows desktop applications in C++
Strong experience in desktop GUI development
Experience with RAD Studio (desirable) or Visual Studio
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience leading or taking ownership of software projects
Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable Experience
Scientific, research, or manufacturing environments
Developing GUI applications for scientific users
Data acquisition or statistical data analysis
APIs and inter-process communication
Exposure to vacuum systems or laboratory equipment
Understanding of compliance requirements for regulated markets
BSc (or higher) in Computer Science or related discipline
Working Arrangements
Full-time, permanent
36.5 hours per week
Monday to Friday
Early finish on Fridays
Initially on-site (5 days per week)
Potential for ad hoc flexibility after probation (by discussion)
Salary & Benefits
£48,000-£52,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Annual company performance bonus
Christmas bonus
Annual July salary review (consistently awarded over the past 10 years)
23 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing up to 29 days + bank holidays)
Private healthcare after two years' service
Group Personal Pension Scheme
Free on-site parking
Professional development opportunities
Interview Process
Initial Zoom interview with Hiring Manager
On-site technical interview with senior team members and Director
Final commercial discussion
Who This Role Suits
This position is ideal for an experienced C++ desktop engineer who:
Enjoys building robust, high-performance software
Is confident taking technical ownership and leading projects
Wants to work on meaningful scientific applications
Values stability, long-term progression and technical depth over short-term churn
If you're ready to play a key role in shaping mission-critical scientific software, we'd love to hear from you