Senior Software Engineer – On-Site, Travel-Ready, Impactful in Newcastle upon Tyne

Ready to work somewhere that cares more about how you build software than how fast you can ship it? At Opencast, we don’t measure developers by the number of tickets you complete. We care about engineering craft, clean design and thoughtful problem-solving. Opencast consultants deliver in complex environments, pairing often and working with others who take pride in doing things properly: TDD, emerging design, refactoring and leaving code better than they found it. We build software we are proud of, and our clients trust us not just to code but to think, challenge and guide. If you value simple and robust solutions and want a role where your judgment matters as much as your keyboard, this could be a great fit for you.

The role Software developers at Opencast care about building products right and combine their own experience and approach with our company values. They are tech agnostic, have expertise in agile methodologies, eXtreme programming practices and use industry-leading programming languages to deliver agile transformation. Our approach to software development is collaborative, focused on keeping things simple, and we use test driven development and pair programming as best practice. Working with clients and key stakeholders is a crucial part of a consultancy role. Our developers are inclusive team players that listen, collaborate, can positively challenge and manage expectations when needed but most of all are always willing to teach and help others. Leaving a client with improved ways of working, working technology and a good experience from discovery through to live is the priority. The role is varied, technical, never confined to any one provider or solution and there are always opportunities for learning and development.

Responsibilities This role involves weekly on-site work, and you’ll be required to travel regularly to client locations across the UK. We’re looking for people who value in-person collaboration, enjoy building strong relationships, and are passionate about delivering solutions that make a real difference for our clients. Due to the nature of this role, you must either hold active Security Check (SC) clearance or be eligible and willing to undergo the clearance process. SC clearance is granted in line with UK Government security vetting requirements. Typically, applicants must have UK citizenship and have lived continuously in the UK for at least the past five years, with no single absence exceeding 28 consecutive days. Nationality and immigration status may also be considered as part of the vetting process. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who do not meet these requirements. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to review the guidance or discuss this with us before applying. We are recruiting for multiple positions, with opportunities available immediately and in the coming months. If you are interested in joining Opencast, we encourage you to apply.

To succeed in this role, you’ll have experience as a Senior Software Developer and be able to demonstrate, with tangible examples, that you can:

• Lead the design and delivery of high-quality, user-centred services using Java or Scala.
• Design and build scalable, maintainable systems, considering performance, security and accessibility.
• Build quality into your work by embedding strong testing practices throughout delivery.
• Deliver complex digital services aligned to Government Digital Service (GDS) standards, supporting others to do the same.
• Explore and adopt new technologies, helping teams learn and continuously improve.
• Work within agile teams to deliver value early and often, adapting to changing needs.

Essential consulting skills In addition to software engineering skills, there are essential core skills you’ll need to be an Opencast consultant. You’ll need to demonstrate how you:

• Shape and guide delivery by driving clear, prioritised backlogs aligned to user and client needs.
• Lead on technical delivery, supporting others and ensuring a high‑quality approach from idea through to implementation.
• Set and evolve testing approaches that build confidence and improve outcomes across the team.
• Encourage collaborative ways of working, including pairing and mobbing, to share knowledge and strengthen delivery.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, communicating openly and helping shape the right solutions.
• Lead technical conversations in discovery and delivery, bringing clarity to complex problems.
• Support and develop others through coaching, mentoring and sharing good practice.
• Respond positively to change, showing resilience, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Bring multidisciplinary teams together, aligning stakeholders and disciplines to shape solutions and deliver value for users.

During the interview process, we’ll ask questions to explore your experience across these areas.

What we offer A competitive package including a 7% employer pension contribution, share options, and a discretionary bonus. You’ll also benefit from 25 days’ holiday and access to 3 annual “life happens” days to support unexpected situations. We provide wellbeing support, ongoing professional development, volunteering opportunities, and the chance to be part of a genuinely supportive team.

Where you’ll work This role requires regular on‑site attendance at our HQ, hub offices, and client sites, as well as the ability to work from home. Applicants must be able to travel to offices and client sites across the UK as part of their normal working arrangements, as travel is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

We include you We welcome candidates from all identities, attributes, ways of thinking and backgrounds to thrive in a career at Opencast. Our aim is for the diversity of our people to be reflected in the solutions we deliver, to help create a fairer society for all.

Interview Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. We’re happy to make adjustments to support your needs.