At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative scientific software to support climate research and weather forecasting.
- Company: Join the Met Office, a leader in weather accuracy and climate prediction.
- Benefits: Earn up to £60,268 annually with generous leave and pension benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, including hybrid and part-time roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our planet while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven software engineering skills and ability to engage with scientific teams.
The predicted salary is between 43081 - 60268 € per year.
We are looking for exceptional Senior Scientific Software Engineers to help us make a difference to our planet. As a Senior Scientific Software Engineer, you may work hybrid, working part of the week in the office and part at home. The advertised location is your contractual place of work. Scientific Software Engineers (SSEs) are professional software developers working alongside scientists to deliver scientific capabilities, from 24/7 weather forecasts to fundamental climate research. The role covers a range of posts, from physics code optimisation to space weather codes to climate research engineering to supercomputer automation. The opportunity is full-time, 37 hours per week, but we also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 22 hours per week or a job share.
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 make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office.
- We're a force for good – focusing on our environmental and social impact
- We're experts by nature – always learning and developing to do things better
- We live and breathe it – putting our purpose at the heart of decision‑making
- We're better together – understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater
- We keep evolving – pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers
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:
- Provide technical leadership regarding the specification and implementation of specialised scientific software applications required to underpin Met Office science programmes.
- Lead the technical development of software applications that meet the needs of the scientific community within the Met Office.
- Promote and contribute to the improvement of software engineering procedures and standards to ensure delivered software solutions meet desired quality criteria.
- Responsible lead for the maintenance, documentation and support of software applications to facilitate their maximum utilisation and longevity.
- Proactively engage with scientific colleagues to understand and influence their requirements for specialised scientific software solutions and ensure our software meets these requirements.
- Proactively aim to enhance the knowledge of others, identifying beneficial learning areas for both the team and strategic area.
Benefits: Your total reward package will be up to £60,268 annually, which includes:
- £43,081 base pay
- Outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- Recruitment Retention Allowance – £2,700 per annum as a market supplement from April 2026 until March 2027.
- Annual leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) and rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years; option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave.
Essential Criteria, skills and experience:
- Lead Criteria: Show deep and/or broad relevant technical insight through delivery and evaluation of significant advances in software capability by the effective application of technical knowledge, understanding and skills (Experts by Nature).
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand the requirements for your work and its wider context, and significantly contribute to the development of plans to meet these requirements, informing wider strategic planning (Better Together).
- Promote good Quality Assurance processes, best practice, standards and/or regulations in your work and that of others (Live and Breathe It).
- Communicate knowledge accurately and concisely in written documents and discussions in large groups, tailoring communication for diverse audiences and building trust/credibility whilst enhancing the organisation's reputation (Better Together).
- Proactively develop your technical skills and support others in developing their technical skills, leading to improved output and the career development of others (Keep Evolving).
Equal Opportunities and EEO Statement: We are 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. We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK. Security clearance is required; you must have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years, with 2 of those years immediately preceding the point of your application, and must achieve full security clearance within your first 6 months with us.
Senior Scientific Software Engineer employer: Met Office
The Met Office is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Senior Scientific Software Engineers to contribute to world-changing work that impacts our planet. With a strong focus on employee growth, a supportive hybrid work culture, and an outstanding benefits package including a generous pension scheme and ample annual leave, we foster an environment where innovation thrives and collaboration is key. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in a leading scientific organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientific Software Engineer
✨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 you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that align with climate research or software engineering. We want to see your passion and expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach challenges in scientific software development and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to make a difference for the planet.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientific Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Senior Scientific Software Engineer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of making a difference to the planet!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Whether it’s software development, climate research, or supercomputer automation, let us know how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role.
Communicate Clearly:Remember, clear communication is key! Use concise language in your written application to convey your ideas effectively. We appreciate candidates who can communicate complex concepts simply and understandably.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Met Office!
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Senior Scientific Software Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on the specific programming languages and tools mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you applied your technical skills to solve complex problems.
✨Understand the Science
Since you'll be working closely with scientists, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the scientific concepts relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with topics like climate research and weather forecasting. This will help you engage meaningfully with your future colleagues and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role requires technical leadership, so be prepared to discuss your experience in leading projects or teams. Share examples of how you've influenced software development processes or mentored others. Highlighting your ability to guide and support your peers will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key, especially when working with diverse audiences. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on building rapport and trust with your interviewers by being concise and clear in your responses.
