At the UK Data Archive, home to the UK’s largest collection of social science survey data, we are on a mission to become a world-class repository for cross-disciplinary data. Central to our strategy is the adoption of modern software engineering practices such as testing, security, and building in quality during the development. We are looking for a Senior software engineer who will be instrumental in achieving these goals by helping to build innovative software solutions while working within an AWS cloud infrastructure first environment. Your role will encompass the design, delivery, and maintenance, and with a keen focus on security and robust scalable performance. You will share ownership with the development team for the development of secure CI/CD pipelines and fostering a learning environment within the team. This role is a great opportunity for someone who is creative and eager to make a real difference. You will be part of a driven, mixed team and work in a place that really values learning and experimentation. You will be a key member of the development team and work closely with them. Together, we will focus on making things run smoothly, safely, and with fast feedback loops. If you are not afraid to challenge the usual way of doing things and you are excited about growing through teamwork and fresh ideas, come join us on this exciting journey.
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering software solutions that are cloud native, safe, secure, robust, and highly performant. Your involvement will be instrumental in creating innovative solutions that provide meaningful value to end users and impact them in a positive way.
Your core responsibilities will include designing, maintaining, and optimising the software solutions as part of the development team. You will have a keen focus on automation, ensuring that all aspects of the SDLC that can be automated, are automated, to facilitate continuous integration and rapid development and deployment cycles. You will also be responsible for ensuring the security of the software design. This includes implementing robust security policies and ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices for handling and managing data.
As a Senior Software Engineer, you will require a strong foundation in C# and .NET Core, coupled with expertise in AWS services. You must be proficient in designing and implementing scalable cloud-native architectures, leveraging technologies like Terraform or AWS CDK. A solid understanding of relational and NoSQL databases, as well as front-end technologies, is essential. Additionally, experience with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, is highly desired. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication and collaboration abilities, and a passion for mentoring junior engineers and staying updated with the latest C# and .NET trends are also highly valued. Optional Python skills can be beneficial for data science, machine learning, or automation tasks. Familiarity or being comfortable with Linux would be very welcomed. Interest in other statically typed languages such as Java would be valued.
This post is full-time and fixed term until 31st March 2030. Whilst this is a full-time post, we would also consider applications from anyone looking to work 0.8 FTE or from those looking to work as part of a job share arrangement (18 hours per week). Please state clearly on your application form the contract type for which you are applying. Please note that continuation of a job share arrangement is dependent on there being two people available to undertake the arrangement
This post involves access to Government systems, information or data and will be subject to the staff vetting process. Further information can be found in the job pack.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: https://www.essex.ac.uk/life/student-facilities/religion-and-faith
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification, which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email the Resourcing Team (resourcing@essex.ac.uk).
*More information: Working at the University