At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement software for advanced Linux-based supercomputers and AI systems.
- Company: Join Alces Software, a leader in HPC and AI technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a relaxed working environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a supportive team that values open-source culture.
- Why this job: Turn your Linux passion into a career with real responsibility from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong Linux experience, scripting skills, and a degree in a related field.
Amazing opportunity for a passionate Linux enthusiast to join Alces Software as a Graduate Software Engineer. We design and manage some of the most advanced supercomputer and AI systems in the UK. If you’ve spent your own time building homelabs, daily-driving Linux, tinkering with kernels, scripting everything, self-hosting services, or contributing to open-source projects – this role is built for you.
About Alces Software: We work with cutting-edge HPC (High Performance Computing) and AI infrastructure for customers in academic & research institutions, banking, manufacturing, and Formula One. You’ll be joining a small, relaxed, office-based Oxfordshire team where you’ll get real responsibility from day one.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive Salary of between £28,000 and £30,000 per annum depending on experience.
- Rapid exposure to large-scale Linux systems, supercomputers, and emerging AI technologies.
- Ongoing training and mentorship from experienced Linux engineers.
- Genuine opportunity to grow into a strong Linux-focused software engineering career.
- Relaxed working environment with a team that actually understands open-source culture.
Key Responsibilities of the Graduate Software Engineer role:
- Research, design, and implement software that runs on Linux-based HPC and AI systems.
- Develop and automate tooling for large-scale Linux environments.
- Hands-on design, implementation, testing, and ownership of your own projects.
- Work on real production supercomputing infrastructure.
- Participate in team meetings and present your work.
- Learn modern Linux engineering practices in a fast-moving environment.
What We’re Looking For:
We care much more about your real Linux passion and hands-on experience than a perfect CV. You’ll be a great fit if you:
- Live and breathe Linux (ideally run it as your daily driver).
- Have strong self-taught Linux experience – whether that’s Arch, Debian, Gentoo, NixOS, or anything else you’ve broken and fixed in your own time.
- Love scripting and automation (especially Bash, Python, and any other tools you’ve picked up).
- Have a demonstrable open-source background (GitHub projects, personal tools, contributions, dotfiles, homelab setups, etc.).
- Are pragmatic, curious, and enjoy solving problems in different ways.
- Have a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related subject.
- Are a fast learner with a strong drive to build a career in systems + software engineering.
Bonus points for:
- Experience with containers (Docker/Podman), orchestration, Ansible, or configuration management.
- Any exposure to HPC, clustering, or high-performance systems.
- Web development (React or similar) or Ruby experience.
- Willingness to travel occasionally within the UK for customer projects.
What’s Next?
If you’re a Linux enthusiast who wants to turn your personal passion into a real career working on supercomputers and AI systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV and a link to your GitHub (or any Linux-related projects you’re proud of). We’ll be in touch to chat.
Graduate Software Engineer in Bicester employer: Alces Software Ltd
Alces Software is an exceptional employer for aspiring Graduate Software Engineers, offering a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge supercomputing and AI technologies in a relaxed Oxfordshire office environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will receive ongoing training and mentorship from experienced engineers, allowing you to develop your skills in a supportive team that values open-source culture and real responsibility from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Software Engineer in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Dive into projects that showcase your Linux skills. Whether it's a personal homelab or an open-source contribution, having tangible examples to discuss will make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other Linux enthusiasts and professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or GitHub. Engaging with the community can lead to valuable insights and even job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for technical questions by solving coding challenges and discussing your projects. We recommend using platforms that focus on Linux and software engineering problems.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team at Alces Software.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Software Engineer in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Linux Passion:Make sure to highlight your love for Linux in your application. Whether it's your homelab projects or contributions to open-source, let us see how you've immersed yourself in the Linux world!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs.
Include Your Projects:Link to your GitHub or any personal projects that showcase your scripting and automation skills. This is your chance to show us what you can do beyond the classroom!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a relaxed vibe, keep your application professional. A friendly tone mixed with your genuine enthusiasm will make you stand out. Remember, we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alces Software Ltd
✨Show Your Linux Passion
Make sure to highlight your love for Linux during the interview. Share specific examples of your homelabs, any tinkering with kernels, or projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm and hands-on experience.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to Linux systems, scripting, and automation. Be ready to discuss your experience with Bash, Python, or any other tools you've used. Practising common technical questions can help you feel more confident.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've approached and solved problems in your past projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your pragmatic and curious nature.
✨Engage with the Team
Since Alces Software values a relaxed working environment, show your personality and engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their projects and team culture, which will reflect your interest in being part of their team.
