At a Glance
- Tasks: Build cloud-based software for tracking and modelling global power grids.
- Company: Join a dynamic tech company focused on net-zero solutions in Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, flexible working, and local discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a founding member of a team shaping the future of energy markets.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in backend systems, strong Python skills, and a passion for energy transformation.
The predicted salary is between 52200 - 63800 £ per year.
Aurora helps governments, investors, and utilities make billion‑dollar decisions on the journey to net‑zero. Based in Oxford, you will work in a dynamic and growing engineering organisation that builds cloud-based software to track and model power grids around the world. Aurora's models produce some of the most data‑intensive outputs in the energy industry – half hourly, generator‑level simulations across 30-year horizons.
As a founding Software Engineer on the Data Platforms team, you will build and own the infrastructure that makes that data fast, reliable, and useful. You will work in a small, fast‑paced team that releases changes multiple times a day. The successful applicant will be an excellent problem solver, a strong team player, and have a proven ability to take big projects from conception to production. We're open to a range of candidates - the role and compensation will reflect your experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Build high-uptime platforms that serve 100TB -1PB data fast and reliably
- Build tools and platforms that empower engineers, modellers, and analysts across Aurora
- Be a founding member of the Data Platforms team - shaping its culture, practices, and technical direction from the ground up
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required attributes:
- 3+ years developing impactful, mission-critical backend systems
- The ability to work in fast-paced, high-ownership environments
- Excellence in one or more language (we mostly use Python)
- Strong discipline in testing and automation
- Experienced, judicious user of AI coding tools
- An exceptional team player - low-ego, high-initiative
- Genuine interest in the transformation of energy markets and infrastructure
Desirable attributes:
- Hands-on experience with large distributed systems
- Previous experience building data platform - including scheduling, streaming, storage, compute Python, Lakehouse architectures, Terraform, AWS
What we offer
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Parental Support
- Salary-Exchange Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Local Oxford Discounts
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- Flu Jabs
At AER, we are committed to offering flexibility in the way we work. Most of our roles are hybrid with a mix of in-office/home working and potentially adjustable working hours. Let’s discuss what works for you and AER during the interview process.
The Company is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity.
Software Engineer – Data Platforms in Oxford employer: Aurora Energy Research
Aurora Energy Research is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Oxford, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive private medical and dental insurance, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within the rapidly evolving energy sector. Joining our AI and Data Engineering team means being part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to transforming energy markets while working with cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer – Data Platforms in Oxford
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Aurora Energy Research or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Aurora Energy Research.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Aurora Energy Research.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Aurora Energy Research that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer – Data Platforms in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Aurora Energy Research.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Aurora Energy Research and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurora Energy Research
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Aurora Energy Research uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
