At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and support innovative scientific software that impacts climate science.
- Company: Join the Met Office, a leader in weather and climate science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to our planet while advancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28600 - 42524 € per year.
We're looking for exceptional Foundation Scientific Software Engineers to help us make a difference to our planet. Contribute to the development, maintenance and support of specialised scientific software applications that enable the Met Office to be recognised as a world leader in weather and climate science and services.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of software applications that meet the needs of the scientific community within the Met Office.
- Follow software engineering procedures and standards to ensure software solutions meet desired quality criteria.
- Maintain, document and support software applications to facilitate their maximum utilisation and longevity.
- Meet with scientific colleagues to understand their requirements for specialised scientific software solutions.
- Willingness to learn and share new knowledge, enhancing the team's capability and effectiveness.
Qualifications
- Show technical insight through code-based solutions demonstrating effective application of technical knowledge, understanding and skills (Experts By Nature).
- Engage with others to understand the requirements for your work and its wider context (Better Together).
- Consider good Quality Assurance processes, best practice, standards and/or regulations in your work (Live and Breathe It).
- Communicate knowledge accurately and concisely in written documents and discussions in small groups (Better Together).
- Proactively develop your skills and support others in developing theirs (Keep Evolving).
Eligibility
- UK nationals.
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK.
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020.
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
Security clearance: applicants must have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years, with 2 of those years immediately preceding the date of application, and must achieve full security clearance within the first 6 months of employment.
Recruitment
We are currently recruiting for five roles across three seniority levels (Foundation Scientific Software Engineer, Scientific Software Engineer and Senior Scientific Software Engineer). Those wishing to be considered at multiple levels should submit an application at each level. Candidates selected for interview will be asked for a preference of area, which will be taken into consideration by the chairperson when offers are made.
Closing date: 07/06/2026 at 23:59. First‑stage interviews are scheduled to commence from 22/06/2026.
Working pattern
The role may be suitable for hybrid working, where an employee works part of the week in the office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non‑contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be the employee's contractual place of work.
Benefits
- £28,600 base pay.
- An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Recruitment Retention Allowance (RRA): £2,000 per annum as a market supplement from April 2026 until March 2027.
- Annual leave: starting at 27.5 days (plus bank holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus bank holidays) after 5 years, with an option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year.
- Met Office contributes £8,285 towards pension membership.
- Total reward package up to £42,524 annually.
Foundation Scientific Software Engineers in Exeter employer: Met Office
The Met Office is an exceptional employer, offering Foundation Scientific Software Engineers the opportunity to contribute to vital scientific advancements in weather and climate science. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and ample annual leave, the Met Office fosters an environment where innovation thrives and employees can grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on our planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foundation Scientific Software Engineers in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Met Office on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled software challenges in the past. We want to see your technical insight in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for science and software! During interviews, share examples of how you've contributed to projects that align with the Met Office's mission. Let’s make it clear that you’re all about making a difference!
✨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 take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Foundation Scientific Software Engineers in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Foundation Scientific Software Engineer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at the Met Office, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When writing your application, be sure to include examples of your technical insight and code-based solutions. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate effective application of their technical knowledge, so let us know what you’ve worked on!
Communicate Clearly:Remember, clear communication is key! Use concise language in your written documents and make sure to explain your thought process. We value candidates who can articulate their ideas well, especially when it comes to scientific software solutions.
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’s super easy to do, so go ahead and get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Know Your Code
Make sure you brush up on your coding skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects and how you applied your technical knowledge to solve problems. Practising coding challenges can also help you demonstrate your expertise effectively.
✨Understand the Science
Familiarise yourself with the Met Office's work in weather and climate science. Knowing their current projects and challenges will allow you to engage meaningfully with interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Communicate Clearly
During the interview, focus on communicating your ideas clearly and concisely. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as this will showcase your ability to collaborate with scientific colleagues and understand their requirements.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Highlight your eagerness to develop new skills and share knowledge with your team. Discuss any recent learning experiences or how you've helped others grow, as this aligns with the Met Office's values of continuous improvement and teamwork.
