At a Glance
- Tasks: Support FOSS licensing policies and educate engineering teams on compliance.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Sheffield focused on open source software.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedule, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and compliance.
- Why this job: Join a team shaping the future of open source software governance.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate experience in copyright law and a passion for software development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Sheffield - 3 days/week onsite
Duration: 30/11/2026
Role Description: Client is seeking a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Licensing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the definition, enhancement, and ongoing governance of policies, processes, and controls related to the consumption and contribution of open source software across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess and clearly communicate the implications of FOSS licenses (including copyright, modification, and distribution) to engineering teams
- Support training and awareness initiatives across engineering teams on FOSS licensing implications
- Categorise and assess licenses not recognised by automated tooling into Client defined categories (Liberal, Permissible, Weak Copyleft, Copyleft, Banned)
- Review Client's existing treatment of open source licenses and recommend improvements, exceptions, or conditional usage approaches
- Contribute to the selection, assessment, and continuous improvement of automated license evaluation tooling
- Act as a liaison between Engineering, Legal, and Risk stakeholders to ensure compliant and scalable adoption of open source software
Required Skills & Experience
- Post graduate experience in copyright law or contract law
- Strong interest in and practical exposure to software development
- Hands on experience with open source software, either from a usage or contribution standpoint
- Prior experience working within a regulated or controlled environment (eg financial services, risk, compliance)
- Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and stakeholder communication skills
Desirable
- Formal legal training with a focus on copyright or software licensing
- Exposure to DevSecOps practices
- Experience working in an Agile delivery environment
- Experience with FOSS compliance and evaluation tooling (eg Nexus IQ Server, Black Duck, or equivalent)
Licensing SME- Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Sheffield employer: eTeam
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Sheffield that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a Licensing SME in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) will be pivotal in shaping our policies and processes. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, alongside a flexible working arrangement of three days onsite per week. With a commitment to compliance and excellence, you will play a crucial role in bridging engineering, legal, and risk teams, making this an exciting and rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Licensing SME- Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work with FOSS. Attend meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking questions. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with open source software. Include any projects you've contributed to or developed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on FOSS licensing implications. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate these to engineering teams. Practice common interview questions and think about how your background fits the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Licensing SME- Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Licensing SME. Highlight your experience with FOSS and any relevant legal knowledge. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:In your cover letter, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them in real situations. Whether it’s assessing licenses or communicating with stakeholders, give us examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to FOSS. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status directly from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at eTeam
✨Know Your FOSS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Free and Open Source Software licensing. Understand the different types of licenses, their implications, and how they affect software development. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your expertise and passion for the subject.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to assess or categorise various licenses. Think about real-world scenarios where you had to make decisions based on licensing implications. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a liaison between engineering, legal, and risk teams, strong communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex licensing issues in the past. Use examples that highlight your ability to simplify technical jargon for non-technical stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Regulatory Experience
Since the role involves working within a regulated environment, be ready to discuss your experience in compliance and risk management. Share specific instances where you navigated regulatory challenges, as this will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
