Junior Software GUI Engineer in Glasgow

Junior Software GUI Engineer in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 25650 - 31350 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Coherent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop intuitive Windows desktop applications using modern Microsoft technologies.
  • Company: Join Coherent Corp, a global leader in photonics and advanced laser technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for remote work.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by working on cutting-edge software for high-tech industries.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; strong C# and WPF skills required.

The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.

Coherent Corp is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and materials technologies. Our innovations power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide. With a global footprint and cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D, we’re shaping the future of high-tech industries.

In Scotland, our site is a key centre for laser and ultrafast laser technology, specialising in the development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of advanced laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications. Working closely with teams across our global network, we combine deep engineering expertise with collaborative innovation to deliver high-performance, reliable laser solutions with real-world impact.

The Role

In this role, you will be responsible for developing intuitive, reliable, and maintainable Windows desktop applications using modern Microsoft technologies. You will work across a diverse portfolio of software solutions, including customer-facing user interfaces, service and diagnostic tools, production and manufacturing test applications, and advanced engineering tools such as emulators and simulators. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will contribute throughout the entire software development lifecycle, from concept and architecture through implementation, verification, release, and long-term product support. This is an excellent opportunity to work on highly technical products that combine software, electronics, optics, firmware, and systems engineering.

What you will be doing...

  • Software Design & Development
    • Design, develop, and maintain Windows desktop applications using C#, WPF, XAML, and .NET.
    • Develop software using the MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) architectural pattern to create scalable, maintainable, and testable applications.
    • Create customer-facing user interfaces that allow users to configure, monitor, and control laser systems.
    • Develop service and diagnostic applications used by field service engineers for troubleshooting and support.
    • Design production and manufacturing test GUIs that enable efficient system build, calibration, and verification activities.
    • Develop engineering tools, including emulators, simulators, and virtual laser systems that replicate product behaviour and support development before hardware is available.
  • Software Architecture & Reuse
    • Develop reusable software components, shared libraries, and NuGet packages to drive consistency across multiple product platforms.
    • Contribute to software architecture decisions, coding standards, and development best practices.
    • Support the standardisation of software frameworks and user experience across the organisation.
  • System Integration
    • Integrate GUI applications with embedded firmware, hardware devices, and third-party equipment.
    • Work with a range of communication protocols including serial communications, USB, Ethernet, and industrial communication interfaces.
    • Collaborate closely with firmware, systems, electronics, applications, and product engineering teams to define interfaces and deliver integrated solutions.
  • Testing & Product Support
    • Participate in all phases of the software lifecycle including requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance.
    • Perform software verification, debugging, issue investigation, and defect resolution.
    • Contribute to test planning and ensure software quality before release.
    • Support product release activities, ongoing maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
    • Produce technical documentation including design specifications, test documentation, and user guides.
    • Estimate development effort and contribute to project planning activities.
    • Participate actively in software design reviews, code reviews, and technical discussions.
    • Support the ongoing improvement of development processes and software engineering practices across the team.

About You

You are a passionate software engineer with strong experience developing desktop applications and a desire to build software that directly interfaces with advanced engineering products. You enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working collaboratively across disciplines, and delivering software that provides an excellent user experience.

You will bring:

  • Essential Qualifications & Experience
    • Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline.
    • Proven experience developing desktop GUI applications within an industrial, engineering, scientific, or commercial environment.
    • Strong programming skills in C#.
    • Extensive experience developing Windows desktop applications using WPF and XAML.
    • Strong understanding and practical experience of the MVVM architectural pattern.
    • Experience developing applications using the Microsoft .NET platform.
    • Experience using development environments such as Visual Studio and/or Visual Studio Code.
    • Experience working with version control systems, particularly Git.
    • Experience creating Windows installation packages using MSI, WiX, or equivalent technologies.
    • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
    • Ability to develop and implement mathematical, scientific, or engineering algorithms.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Desirable Experience
    • Experience with MVVM frameworks such as MVVM Community Toolkit, Prism, or similar technologies.
    • Experience developing reusable UI component libraries and NuGet packages.
    • Experience developing simulators, emulators, or virtual hardware platforms.
    • Experience interfacing with embedded systems and hardware devices.
    • Knowledge of communication protocols including CAN/CANopen, RS232, USB, Ethernet/TCP-IP, SPI, and I²C.
    • Experience integrating third-party APIs, DLLs, and software libraries.
    • Experience with asynchronous and multithreaded software development.
    • Experience debugging software on remote systems.
    • Working knowledge of C and C++.
    • Experience within industrial automation, scientific instrumentation, medical devices, or other regulated industries.
    • Experience developing software for Linux-based operating systems.

Personal Attributes

  • Strong organisation and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
  • A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
  • A willingness to continuously learn and embrace new technologies.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
  • Comfortable working within a global, cross-functional, and multicultural organisation.
  • Professional, ethical, and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:

  • Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
  • Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
  • Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
  • Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
  • Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

APPLICATION & SELECTION

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Junior Software GUI Engineer in Glasgow employer: Coherent

As a Lead BI Analyst at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values integrity, collaboration, and enthusiasm. We offer robust employee growth opportunities through continuous training and development, alongside a commitment to data-driven decision-making that empowers you to make a meaningful impact. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation promotes a healthy work-life balance and fosters an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.

Coherent

Contact Details:

Coherent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Software GUI Engineer in Glasgow

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 Coherent 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 Coherent.

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 Coherent.

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 Coherent 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 Junior Software GUI Engineer in Glasgow

C# Programming
WPF
XAML
MVVM Architectural Pattern
.NET Framework
Visual Studio
Git

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 Coherent.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Coherent 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 Coherent

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 Coherent 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.