Senior Optimisation Developer in Cambridge

We are looking for a Senior Optimisation Developer with a strong mathematical background and experience in numerical modelling or mathematically intensive software development. This is a hands-on senior software development technical role within the USC Optimisation team. The team develops advanced optimisation technology that helps refineries improve operational efficiency and supports complex refinery planning. The position is ideal for someone who can independently investigate complex problems, work effectively in an established codebase, and grow into broader technical leadership over time. Experience in linear algebra and/or Lagrangian analysis is highly desirable. Programming ability is required, but prior C++ experience is not essential. The ideal candidate will have both postgraduate/research experience and industry experience; however, candidates with either are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute directly to the design, implementation, maintenance and improvement of industrial optimisation software and related numerical modelling components.
• Investigate complex mathematical, algorithmic and software engineering problems independently and drive them through to resolution.
• Take ownership of large or technically challenging work items, breaking them down into manageable tasks and making sound implementation decisions with minimal supervision.
• Work effectively within an existing and in some areas legacy codebase, balancing respect for established team practices with thoughtful technical improvement.
• Apply strong mathematical reasoning to modelling, optimisation and algorithmic challenges.
• Support the robustness, performance, quality and maintainability of optimisation code through effective debugging, profiling and diagnosis of build/runtime issues through extensive automated unit and regression testing.
• Demonstrate the potential to lead technical projects or workstreams over time, even where no formal leadership responsibility is assigned initially.
• Provide guidance, coaching and technical support to less experienced developers where appropriate.

Essential requirements

• Strong mathematical background, supported by a postgraduate qualification (MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience).
• Proven programming ability in at least one relevant language (e.g. C++, C, C#, Fortran).
• Experience of numerical modelling or mathematically intensive software development.
• Demonstrated potential to lead projects or technical workstreams, even if formal leadership experience has not yet been required.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex and evolving codebase.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and work collaboratively with other developers.
• Relevant industrial, research or advanced technical experience.

We welcome candidates from a range of mathematically intensive backgrounds with experience in modelling, simulation, or similar analytical fields. Relevant academic or professional backgrounds may include:

• applied mathematics
• theoretical physics
• operations research
• engineering disciplines with strong mathematical modelling content
• computer science with significant numerical or algorithmic depth
• other computational science

Desired skills and competencies

• Experience using and maintaining build and meta-build systems.
• Experience of debugging tools, including debuggers, performance profilers and memory profilers.
• Experience with source control systems and continuous integration/continuous development i.e. git and Azure DevOps.
• Background in one or both of:
• Linear algebra
• Lagrangian analysis
• Problem solving – able to break down difficult technical and mathematical problems and develop practical, effective solutions.
• Critical thinking – evaluates evidence objectively and makes reasoned technical judgements.
• Coaching – supports and uplifts others through knowledge sharing and technical guidance.
• Collaborative relationships – works effectively with colleagues across the team and wider organisation.
• Influencing – able to shape technical direction through credibility, logic and constructive argument rather than authority.
• Conceptual thinking – able to think beyond the immediate task and consider broader architectural, mathematical or maintainability implications.
• Technical leadership potential – shows the capacity to grow into a broader leadership role over time through ownership, judgement and consistency.

R&D at AVEVA

Our global team of 2000+ developers work on an incredibly diverse portfolio of over 75 industrial automation and engineering products, which cover everything from data management to 3D design. AI and cloud are at the centre of our strategy, and we have over 150 patents to our name. Our track record of innovation is no fluke – it’s the result of a structured and deliberate focus on learning, collaboration and inclusivity. If you want to build applications that solve big problems, join us.

Hybrid working

We work in a hybrid way at AVEVA. Most roles are based at a local AVEVA office, with an expectation of being on-site 50% of your working hours to support collaboration and connection. Some positions are fully office-based depending on the nature of the work, and certain roles that support specific customers or markets may be remote. The working arrangement for this position will be confirmed during the hiring process.

Hiring process

Interested? Great! Get started by submitting your cover letter and CV through our application portal. AVEVA is committed to recruiting and retaining people with disabilities. Please let us know in advance if you need reasonable support during your application process.

About AVEVA

AVEVA is a global leader in industrial software with more than 6,500 employees in over 40 countries. Our cutting-edge solutions are used by thousands of enterprises to deliver the essentials of life – such as energy, infrastructure, chemicals, and minerals – safely, efficiently, and more sustainably. We are committed to embedding sustainability and inclusion into our operations, our culture, and our core business strategy.

AVEVA requires all successful applicants to undergo and pass a drug screening and comprehensive background check before they start employment. Background checks will be conducted in accordance with local laws and may, subject to those laws, include proof of educational attainment, employment history verification, proof of work authorization, criminal records, identity verification, credit check. Certain positions dealing with sensitive and/or third-party personal data may involve additional background check criteria.

AVEVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being an exemplary employer with an inclusive culture, developing a workplace environment where all our employees are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and the expertise that people from different backgrounds bring to our business. AVEVA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your recruiter. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.