At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and support innovative scientific software that impacts climate research and weather forecasting.
- Company: Join the Met Office, a leader in weather accuracy and climate prediction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great workplace culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to our planet while advancing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and a passion for science and technology.
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. 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 Scientific Software Engineers (SSEs) are professional software developers working alongside scientists to deliver scientific capabilities, from 24/7 weather forecasts to fundamental climate research. This is an open advert across a range of posts, from physics code optimisation to space weather codes to climate research engineering to supercomputer automation. Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 22 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share. Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone.
World changing work: From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive.
Your world of expertise: Our world‑leading weather forecasts and climate projections rely on professional software engineering within Research and Development to operate effectively and efficiently, and to pull through new scientific capabilities in a rapidly changing world. This is an opportunity across multiple teams and more details will be available at interview.
Your key duties:
- 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.
- 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.
Why join us: Our work is life‑changing, often life‑saving and always life‑enhancing. The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their 'Best Workplaces in Tech' 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their '54 Best Workplaces for Women' 2023 list.
Total reward package: As our Foundation Scientific Software Engineers, your total reward package will be up to £42,524 annually, which includes:
- £28,600 base pay
- An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- Recruitment Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,000 per annum as a market supplement to reflect the demand for your skills.
- Annual leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave.
Essential Criteria, skills and experience:
- Show technical insight through creation of code-based solutions showing the effective application of technical knowledge, understanding and skills.
- Engage with others to understand the requirements for your work and its wider context.
- Consider good Quality Assurance processes, best practice, standards and/or regulations in your work.
- Communicate knowledge accurately and concisely in written documents and discussions in small groups.
- Proactively develop your skills and support others in developing theirs.
Equal opportunities: 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.
Eligibility and security clearance: Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Security clearance is required; you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years (including 2 of the last 5 immediately prior to your application). Full security clearance must be achieved within the first 6 months.
Foundation Scientific Software Engineer employer: Met Office
The Met Office is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Foundation Scientific Software Engineers to contribute to world-changing work in climate and weather science. With a strong focus on employee well-being, hybrid working options, and a commitment to inclusivity, we provide a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development. Our competitive total reward package, including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, reflects our dedication to valuing our employees as we strive to make a positive impact on the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Foundation Scientific Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Met Office on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role as a Foundation Scientific Software Engineer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. Think about examples that showcase your ability to work collaboratively with scientists.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the environment and technology! Be sure to communicate your enthusiasm for the Met Office's mission during interviews. They want to see that you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to world-changing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Foundation Scientific Software Engineer
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 a Foundation Scientific Software Engineer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your technical prowess! Include examples of code-based solutions you've created and how they’ve made an impact. We want to see your expertise in action!
Communicate Clearly:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Remember, we value good communication skills, so make sure your writing reflects that. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and always explain your points well.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Know Your Code
Make sure you brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on. Be prepared to explain your thought process and the technical decisions you made, especially in relation to scientific software applications.
✨Understand the Science
Familiarise yourself with the scientific concepts relevant to the role, such as climate research or meteorology. This will help you engage meaningfully with the interviewers and demonstrate that you can bridge the gap between software engineering and scientific needs.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with scientists, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to listen, understand requirements, and adapt your work based on feedback from others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's projects and the Met Office's goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values, especially around environmental impact and inclusivity.
