At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to develop software for climate science and international outreach projects.
- Company: The Met Office, a leader in weather accuracy and climate prediction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Great Place to Work certified with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global climate challenges while advancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python software development and a passion for climate science.
The predicted salary is between 62968 - 62968 £ per year.
We’re looking for an exceptional Senior Scientific Software Engineer in the International Sub-Seasonal and Seasonal Outreach team to help us make a difference to our planet.
As our Senior Scientific Software Engineer, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, which is 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 your contractual place of work.
Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a jobshare.
Your world of expertise:
- You will join a team of scientists and scientific software engineers (SSEs) to deliver international scientific projects and information-based services in the weather, seasonal forecasting and climate areas.
- You will be a key member of the International Sub‑Seasonal and Seasonal Outreach team, supporting a range of international delivery across weather, seasonal and climate‑change timescales, and on programmes such as WISER and WCSSP.
- You will carry out a substantial level of collaboration with scientists and SSEs across the Met Office and our international partners to maintain and develop both climate modelling systems and code for analysis and visualisation of weather and climate data.
- You will also play a role in helping team members to improve their coding and software QA skills.
- You will prepare and deliver training on using software and basic software development for colleagues and project partners which will involve international travel.
Essential Criteria, skills and experience:
- Evidence of ability in designing and delivering complex software in the Python programming language when presented with a particular problem or use case.
- Evidence of ability to apply principles of software quality, adopting relevant working practices, and keeping abreast of software development and training opportunities.
- Evidence of strong communication skills with diverse technical and non-technical audiences and informally guiding the work of others.
- Evidence of ability to prioritise and manage work to deliver outcomes to deadlines and according to requirements.
- A background in, or demonstrated interest in weather and/or climate science and its potential to help people make better decisions to stay safe and thrive.
- An ability and enthusiasm to travel overseas up to two times a year to support training of international partners.
We encourage you to apply if you believe you meet our essential criteria, but we’re also keen to discover if you have:
- Application or experience of AI/ML within a software engineering role, with the exception of LLMs.
Closing date 02/09/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 14/09/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.
We welcome applications that use AI tools for support in drafting or refining, as long as they accurately reflect your own skills and experience. All hiring decisions at the Met Office are made by people, not AI.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us at careers@metoffice.gov.uk.
We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.
Senior Scientific Software Engineer (International Sub-Seasonal & Seasonal Outreach) in Exeter employer: Met Office
The Met Office in Devon and Torbay is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in ocean climate research. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Join us in making a meaningful contribution to climate science and the future of our planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientific Software Engineer (International Sub-Seasonal & Seasonal Outreach) in Exeter
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Met Office, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Met Office. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientific Software Engineer (International Sub-Seasonal & Seasonal Outreach) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Met Office. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Met Office. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Met Office. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Met Office to drive research projects forward.
