At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deploy innovative wildfire prediction software and user-friendly interfaces.
- Company: Join a mission-driven startup from the University of Cambridge focused on climate resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of climate technology with cutting-edge tools.
- Qualifications: Strong back-end skills in Python/Node.js, plus front-end experience with React and geospatial tools.
- Other info: Collaborate with scientists and industry experts in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about climate solutions and ready to join the development of next-generation wildfire prediction technology in a venture-backed startup?
About us: We are an early-stage spinout from the University of Cambridge with the mission to provide the world's most precise wildfire risk forecasts at a global scale and enhance community climate resilience. We have created a cost-effective, ultra-granular, physics-driven simulator that delivers unprecedented accuracy in forecasting wildfire propagation across any landscape, anywhere in the world. We are now developing solutions to provide impacted stakeholders in the financial sector and other industries with reliable data and actionable intelligence.
The role: We are looking for a versatile Software Engineer to lead the build-out of our customer-facing products and technology stack. This role focuses on developing, integrating, and deploying core SaaS and DaaS platforms that sit on top of our simulator and data infrastructure. You will be part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team and work closely with the founders, company-affiliated academics, data scientists, computational scientists, and industry partners to deliver end-to-end systems that are robust, interactive, and cloud-native.
Your responsibilities include:
- Designing and building scalable, cloud-native backend systems that serve wildfire simulation software and data to end users
- Developing robust, well-documented APIs to enable seamless integration with client tools and internal systems
- Creating intuitive, interactive front-end interfaces for geospatial exploration, analytics, and visual storytelling
- Implementing modern cartographic visualisations and map-based user experiences for risk insights and operational planning
- Collaborating with scientists, engineers, and domain experts to translate research outputs into production-ready tools
- Supporting GPU-accelerated software development and helping optimise performance across our stack
- Contributing to DevOps/MLOps pipelines and ensuring reliable deployment, testing, and delivery workflows
- Continuously iterating on features based on user feedback, performance metrics, and strategic priorities
This role is for you if you are a mission-driven software engineer with a track record of developing software products in fast-paced environments and are eager to make a lasting impact on society by shaping not only our products but also the future of our company. You enjoy full-stack challenges, take pride in shipping elegant software products, and love transforming complex models and data into smooth, intuitive user experiences. You are excited by geospatial technology, that is, you love maps, interactivity, and crafting beautiful, web-based mapping tools. You are comfortable switching between backend infrastructure and front-end refinement, and happy to leverage AI tools or modern frameworks to move faster. You thrive in iterative environments, where rapid prototyping, feedback loops, and continuous improvement are integral to the process. You enjoy brainstorming with people from other disciplines and translating diverse insights into practical, high-impact software features. You work collaboratively, thrive in ambiguity, and take full ownership of what you build.
Key technical skills:
- Strong back-end development experience (Python, Node.js)
- Working knowledge of C++ and GPU computing (CUDA, OpenCL)
- Proven ability to design, build, and maintain robust APIs
- Proficiency with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, GCP, or Azure), containerisation, and CI/CD pipelines
- Familiarity with scalable data delivery architectures (e.g., microservices, serverless frameworks)
- Front-end development skills (React, JavaScript, Streamlit, etc.)
- Familiarity with geospatial tools and frameworks (Mapbox, Leaflet, CesiumJS, etc.)
- Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and interactive web-based visualisation
Location: Hybrid (London, UK). We currently work 2 days per week from our office in London, with flexibility for remote work the rest of the time.
Software Engineer - Platform & Applications employer: Pinepeak
Contact Detail:
Pinepeak Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Platform & Applications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in geospatial technology and wildfire prediction. Understanding the specific challenges and innovations in this field will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the climate tech and software engineering sectors. Attend relevant meetups, webinars, or conferences to connect with like-minded individuals and potentially gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your full-stack development skills by working on personal projects that involve both backend and frontend technologies. Highlight any experience with cloud platforms and geospatial tools, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to iterative development and user feedback. Be ready to share examples of how you've improved software products based on user insights, as this aligns with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Platform & Applications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software engineering, particularly with back-end development and cloud platforms. Emphasise any projects that involved geospatial technology or API development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for climate solutions and how your skills align with the company's mission. Mention specific technologies you’ve worked with that are relevant to the role, such as Python, Node.js, or any geospatial tools.
Showcase Your Projects: Include links to your GitHub or portfolio where you have demonstrated your software development skills. Highlight any projects that involve cloud-native applications, APIs, or interactive web-based tools.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially around back-end development, API design, and cloud services. Think of examples from your past work that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and collaborative experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pinepeak
✨Show Your Passion for Climate Solutions
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for climate solutions and how your skills can contribute to the mission of providing precise wildfire risk forecasts. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to environmental issues.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with back-end development, particularly in Python and Node.js. Highlight any projects where you've designed and maintained APIs, and be ready to explain your familiarity with cloud platforms and containerisation.
✨Highlight Full-Stack Development Experience
Since the role involves both back-end and front-end work, showcase your versatility by discussing your experience with front-end technologies like React or JavaScript. Provide examples of how you've created intuitive user interfaces or worked on geospatial tools.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Iterative Development
This position requires working closely with a diverse team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, especially in iterative environments. Discuss how you incorporate feedback into your work and your approach to continuous improvement.