Software Applications Engineer in Oxford

We are recruiting for a talented Software Applications Engineer to join our team developing a cutting-edge sensing platform for environmental monitoring. As Software Applications Engineer, you will build software solutions for Mode Labs’ core platform technology. You will work to develop and improve our software for control and user-interfacing of a scientific analysis instrument. You will be working within an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers bringing our first product from prototype through beta testing to commercial release.

Within the technical team, you will:

• Take a major role in the development of our core instrumentation software, which involves hardware control, user interfaces and displays, and database management.
• Contribute to the deployment, testing and support of our software for beta-test and production-scale instruments.
• Employ and support best software-engineering practices (CI/CD, automated testing, information security, data integrity, bug/issue tracking).
• Work closely with the rest of the technical team to ensure that the software meets requirements and functions well for the users.
• Provide concise technical project plans and reporting of progress.

The role has potential for future growth into areas of after-sales user-support systems, cloud-based data security and scalability management, and/or Geographical Information Systems (GIS) depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests.

We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems. We are looking for capable and motivated hires with a high level of technical and practical expertise in production-quality software. A background in software for instrument control or non-web-based UI/UX is desirable.

Requirements

Essential Characteristics

You will be able to demonstrate that you have the following:

• A degree or equivalent industrial experience in computer science or electronic engineering.
• A technical background in software development for instrumentation (scientific instruments and/or internet-of-things devices).
• Relevant industrial experience in the development of production-level software for user interfaces (UI/UX) and data management and display.
• Some experience of working with software users, e.g. writing manuals and standard-operating procedures, or handling feature requests of bug reports.
• Working knowledge of Python, SQL and scripting languages (e.g. bash, PowerShell, etc.).
• An aptitude for delivering high-quality software which not only works now, but which will be maintainable in production for several years ahead.
• Adaptability and a proactive mindset suitable for working in a start-up.

Desirable Characteristics

Ideal candidates will show experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Some experience of working with DevOps systems (e.g. automated testing, handling an issue tracker for a team, etc.).
• Broader technical areas for future growth in the role. Any of: after-sales user support, cloud-based data security and scalability, or Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Benefits

Salary: Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following: £34k – £40k for applicants with suitable experience and aptitude.

Other Benefits:

• Employee share option scheme
• Optional 9-day fortnight working pattern for full-time employees
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• 25 days paid leave plus bank holidays
• One paid charity volunteering day per year
• Annual discretionary training allowance
• Company pension contributions matched up to 5%
• Travel to work loan scheme
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and commit to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace whilst creating an environment which promotes dignity and respect for all. We post our job descriptions across a wide range of recruitment platforms to enable us to attract the most diverse range of candidates we possibly can.

Recruitment Process

Job Closing Date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Dates: Starting June 2026

Interview Process: Initial telephone/ video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.

Adjustments and Provisions: We're committed to making our hiring process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments due to disability, neurodivergence, or anything else, please let us know.

Our Company

We are a dynamic, customer-driven technology company focussing on the development of the next generation of autonomous chemical sensing systems for environmental monitoring. Based in Oxford (UK), Mode Labs was founded in 2024 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford Chemistry and Materials Departments with the aim to become a leading supplier of chemical sensing technologies in the environmental sector. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere. Our Mission is to protect the environment and human health by monitoring and reporting changes to our ecosystems.