At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and shape systems that protect critical national infrastructure.
- Company: Join UKTL, a leader in enhancing the UK's technological resilience.
- Benefits: Inclusive environment, continuous learning, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on experimentation and knowledge sharing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by tackling emerging threats with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Deep technical expertise, team leadership experience, and a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
At UKTL, your work directly strengthens the UK's technological, cyber, and national resilience. You'll collaborate with expert engineers, government partners, and industry specialists to detect, understand, and counter emerging threats. If you’re looking for meaningful work in an inclusive environment that values curiosity, teamwork, and continuous learning, you’ll thrive here.
As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be at the heart of projects that matter. You’ll help design and shape the architecture of systems that support security testing and research that protects critical national infrastructure, influencing how we deliver secure and high‑quality software. This is a hands‑on technical role where your expertise drives real outcomes.
- Work across multiple languages, frameworks, and platforms to solve complex challenges.
- Help define and improve engineering best practices, branching and deployment strategies.
- Review pull requests, guide colleagues, and raise code quality across teams.
- Champion innovation and bring new ideas that help us stay ahead of emerging threats.
- Collaborate with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders to shape priorities and deliver meaningful solutions.
You’ll join a wider technical community that shares knowledge, encourages experimentation, and supports your growth.
Requirements
Successful applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham at least twice a week.
Qualifications and Skills
- Operates confidently at a deep technical level across a variety of technologies; comfortable making informed architectural and engineering decisions.
- Genuine enthusiasm for discovering and applying new engineering techniques and assessing new technologies with a focus on good engineering practice (maintainability, longevity, and available market resources).
- Experience leading or mentoring a team, or acting as a technical expert within a high‑performing group.
- Technology‑agnostic; polyglot programmer using Linux and open‑source technologies day to day.
- Experience working in Agile teams.
- Understands and applies DevOps/DevSecOps practices.
- Uses strong software testing techniques (e.g., TDD/BDD) and writes high‑quality tests.
- Translates user or business needs into robust technical solutions.
- Enjoys solving complex, often novel, engineering problems.
- Communicates clearly and collaborates effectively.
- Brings curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Comfortable with multiple programming languages and willing to learn new ones.
- Produces high‑quality technical documentation.
- Evaluates new technologies and creates compelling business cases for their adoption.
- Holds an SC clearance with no restrictions (or is willing to obtain it before starting).
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds.
Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham employer: National Physical Laboratory
At UKTL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning. As a Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham, you'll not only work on impactful projects that enhance national security but also benefit from a supportive community that encourages innovation and professional growth. With opportunities to mentor others and engage with diverse teams, you'll find meaningful work that truly makes a difference.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UKTL on LinkedIn or attend tech meetups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best projects, especially those that highlight your experience with security testing and complex problem-solving. Bring it along to interviews to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions for Senior Software Engineers. Mock interviews with friends or using online platforms can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the UKTL team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Software Engineer role. Highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like DevOps practices and software testing techniques, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great candidate. Share specific examples of projects where you’ve made an impact, especially in collaborative environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t shy away from listing the programming languages and technologies you’re comfortable with. We love polyglot programmers! Make sure to mention any experience with Linux and open-source technologies, as well as your approach to solving complex engineering problems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of Linux, open-source technologies, and any programming languages you might be using. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of complex engineering problems you've tackled. Highlight your thought process and the innovative solutions you implemented. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt to new challenges.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, especially in Agile teams, to deliver meaningful solutions.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning
Show your enthusiasm for learning new techniques and technologies. Discuss any recent courses, certifications, or personal projects that reflect your commitment to growth. This aligns perfectly with the company’s values of curiosity and continuous improvement.
