At a Glance
- Tasks: Support open source software policies and collaborate with engineering and legal teams.
- Company: Join a leading IT services firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work setup, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the tech world by shaping open source software governance.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate experience in copyright or contract law and interest in software development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Anticipated Contract End Date/Length: November 30, 2026
Work set up: Hybrid
Our client in the Information Technology and Services industry is looking for a Free and Open Source Licensing SME to support the definition, enhancement, and governance of policies, processes, and controls related to the consumption and contribution of open source software across the organisation. This role sits within the Engineering Practice team and requires close collaboration with engineering, legal, and risk stakeholders. The position demands strong expertise in open source licensing, copyright considerations, and regulatory implications within a controlled financial services environment.
What you will do:
- Assess and communicate the implications of FOSS licenses, including copyright, modification, and distribution considerations, to engineering teams.
- Support training and awareness initiatives on FOSS licensing implications across engineering teams.
- Categorise and assess licenses not recognised by automated tooling into defined categories such as Liberal, Permissible, Weak Copyleft, Copyleft, and Banned.
- Review 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.
Qualifications:
- Postgraduate experience in copyright law or contract law.
- Strong interest in and practical exposure to software development.
- Hands‑on experience working with open source software from a usage or contribution perspective.
- Experience operating within regulated or controlled environments such as financial services, risk, or compliance.
- Demonstrated expertise in open source licensing and its regulatory implications.
- Strong attention to detail, organisational capability, and stakeholder communication skills.
- Formal legal training with a focus on copyright or software licensing is advantageous.
- Familiarity with DevSecOps practices is beneficial.
- Experience working in Agile delivery environments is desirable.
- Exposure to FOSS compliance and evaluation tooling such as Nexus IQ Server, Black Duck, or equivalent is advantageous.
Additional Information:
Candidates must be legally authorized to live and work in the country where the position is based, without requiring employer sponsorship.
HelloKindred is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Free and Open Source Licensing SME employer: HelloKindred
Contact Detail:
HelloKindred Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Free and Open Source Licensing SME
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work with open source software. Attend meetups or webinars to connect with potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your experience with open source licensing and any projects you've contributed to. This will help you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to FOSS licensing and compliance. We recommend practising with a friend or using mock interview platforms to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Free and Open Source Licensing SME
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with open source licensing and any relevant legal training. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about open source software and how your skills can benefit our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or roles where you've dealt with FOSS licensing or worked in regulated environments. We want to see your hands-on experience and how it aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at HelloKindred
✨Know Your Licensing Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the various types of open source licenses, especially those mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss their implications and how they affect engineering teams. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves liaising between engineering, legal, and risk stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve navigated complex discussions or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively across teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations regarding FOSS licensing. Think about how you would assess a new license or recommend improvements to existing processes. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Bring examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted previous projects, especially in regulated environments like financial services.