At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative software for bespoke instrumentation and automation systems.
- Company: Small engineering firm focused on real-world engineering challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects across industrial and scientific environments with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team solving unique technical problems with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 4-5 years of software programming experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
A small engineering company developing bespoke instrumentation, automation and data acquisition systems is looking to hire a Software Systems Engineer to support continued growth. This is a hands‑on role working on real‑world engineering problems across industrial, scientific and test environments. Projects range from custom data acquisition platforms and industrial monitoring systems to detector readout systems and specialised measurement equipment. The company is transitioning further into product development, with Rust becoming a core part of the software stack. You would be joining a very small technical team, working closely with the founder on software architecture, system design and customer‑facing engineering projects. This role would suit somebody who enjoys solving unusual technical problems rather than working on highly standardised products. The business operates with a systems engineering mindset and values curiosity, practicality and adaptability over rigid specialisation.
Typical involvements:
- Developing software for instrumentation and industrial measurement systems
- Building applications primarily in Rust, alongside some Python, TypeScript and LabVIEW where appropriate
- Working across the full engineering lifecycle from concept through deployment
- Integrating software with hardware, data acquisition devices and embedded Linux systems
- Supporting customer projects and occasionally visiting customer sites within the UK
- Helping improve engineering practices including testing, CI and tooling
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- A degree in an engineering discipline coupled with 4‑5 years of industry experience working within software programming
- Strong software engineering fundamentals but with a broad systems engineering approach (i.e. understanding the wider system, hardware, etc)
- Commercial experience with Rust preferred. However strong C/C++ experience with an interest in moving into Rust could be considered.
- Experience working close to hardware, instrumentation or real‑world engineering systems
- Comfortable working independently within a small engineering business
- Familiarity with Git / GitLab, automated / unit testing and modern software engineering practices
- Experience of Linux based systems
Beneficial skills:
- Some embedded Linux experience would be beneficial as would experience of FPGAs or PCBAs
- Experience with bespoke data acquisition and control systems or integrating hardware and software for unique engineering applications (e.g., test cells, scientific instrumentation, industrial adaptation of lab equipment, etc)
There’s a broad mix of work spanning industrial automation, scientific instrumentation and bespoke engineering systems, so an interest in understanding how physical systems work is important. This software engineer opening is commutable from Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke, Swindon, Winchester, Oxford, Bracknell and London.
Software Engineer - Rust / Instrumentation Systems employer: Broughton Group
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering company in Newbury, where your skills as a Software Engineer will directly contribute to the development of bespoke instrumentation and automation systems. With a strong emphasis on collaboration within a small technical team, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values curiosity and adaptability, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a hands-on role tackling real-world engineering challenges. The hybrid working model and focus on product development using Rust make this an exciting place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Rust / Instrumentation Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Rust or instrumentation systems. This is your chance to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Rust knowledge and understanding the engineering principles behind instrumentation systems. Practice coding challenges and system design questions to impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your adaptability and curiosity, which are key traits we value.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Rust / Instrumentation Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your Rust experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving instrumentation or data acquisition systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about solving real-world engineering problems. Share specific examples of how you've tackled unusual technical challenges in the past, and show us your curiosity and adaptability.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you have experience with Git, automated testing, or working with hardware, make sure to include concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Know Your Rust Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Rust knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Rust and how you've applied it in real-world projects. If you have a strong background in C/C++, think about how you can relate that experience to Rust, as they’ll appreciate your willingness to adapt.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
This role is all about tackling unusual technical problems, so come ready with examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you had to integrate software with hardware or develop bespoke solutions, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Projects
Do some homework on the company’s current projects and technologies. Understanding their instrumentation systems and how they operate will show your genuine interest in the role. You might even want to prepare some questions about their projects to demonstrate your curiosity.
✨Emphasise Your Systems Engineering Mindset
Since the company values a broad systems engineering approach, be sure to highlight your understanding of how software interacts with hardware and the overall system. Discuss any experiences where you’ve had to consider the bigger picture in your engineering work.
