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- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen scientific instruments and bridge software with physics.
- Company: PerkinElmer, a global leader in analytical services and solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to innovate in science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific outcomes with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Honours degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering required; 10+ years experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team of over 5,000 in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
PerkinElmer is a global analytical services and solutions provider with offerings including the leading OneSource Field and Laboratory services business that serve the biopharma, food, environmental, safety and applied end markets to accelerate scientific outcomes. Since 1937, PerkinElmer has served as a trusted partner in laboratory analysis and management and today complements its service offerings with a broad portfolio of atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and chromatography instruments, consumables, and reagents. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 team members, the Company serves customers in more than 35 countries. Additional information is available at www.perkinelmer.com.
We are seeking a strong technical leader to drive the development of next-generation scientific instrumentation. This role requires a unique individual who can bridge the gap between complex physical principles and robust software architecture. The Principal Software Engineer will lead the technical direction for Software, Firmware, and ideally Electronics within the R&D group. You will be responsible for translating high-level user requirements and physical phenomena into technical specifications, architectural designs, and production-ready code. You will operate within a multidisciplinary project team, extending existing platforms and creating new product designs that aim to drive significant market growth. This position demands more than just data science capabilities; it requires a fundamental understanding of physics to model instrument behavior, control opto-mechanical systems, and interpret scientific data correctly. This role is based at our offices in High Wycombe.
Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership: Lead the architecture and design of software systems across the full stack—from embedded firmware (C/C++) controlling hardware to high-level application software (C#/.NET).
- Team Leadership: Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to a team comprising Software, Firmware, and Electronics Engineers.
- Physics-Based Development: Apply a strong understanding of physics to develop algorithms that turn raw sensor data into actionable scientific insight. This involves signal processing, instrument control loops, and physical modeling rather than purely statistical data analysis.
- System Integration: Work closely with hardware engineers to bring up new boards, debug complex opto-electronic systems, and ensure seamless integration between hardware and software.
- Innovation: Propose technology concepts involved in next-generation product development, specifically focusing on thermal analysis and materials characterization.
- Collaboration: Responsible for the low-level software coding and algorithms and manufacturing support and collaborate with cross-functional for high level application coding.
Qualifications Required
- Education: Honors degree in Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering (with a strong Physics component) is strictly required. Note: A pure Computer Science degree without a strong scientific/physics background will not be sufficient.
- Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of commercial software experience, with a proven track record in comprehensive system development.
- Tech Stack: Expert-level proficiency in C# / .NET and strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems/firmware.
- Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring multi-disciplinary technical teams (Software and Firmware/Electronics).
- Domain Knowledge: Experience in scientific instrumentation, industrial automation, or a similar high-technology environment where software interacts physically with hardware.
- Hardware Interface: Deep understanding of communication protocols (I2C, SPI, USB, Ethernet) and the ability to read schematics/datasheets to aid in firmware development and hardware debugging.
- Strategy & Process: Define software development standards, drive Agile/Scrum processes, and implement CI/CD pipelines to ensure operational excellence and product quality.
Desirable
- Experience running a multi-discipline team.
- Experience with signal processing (FFT, digital filtering) and image processing.
- Knowledge of MATLAB or Python for algorithm prototyping.
- Experience with mobile cross-platform tools (Xamarin/MAUI) or cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS) for IoT-enabled instruments.
- AI champion.
Preferred Characteristics
- Strong Leader: Ability to inspire confidence and drive technical decisions within a complex engineering environment.
- Physicist Mindset: A "first principles" thinker who understands why the data looks the way it does, not just how to process it.
- Analytical thinking driven by data. Ability to see both the small and the big picture. Possessing strong organizational skills.
- Problem solving aptitude involves both creative and pragmatic resolutions. Adaptable to change.
Principal Software Engineer in High Wycombe employer: PerkinElmer
Contact Detail:
PerkinElmer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those that highlight your experience with C#/.NET and embedded systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your physics knowledge and coding skills. Practice explaining complex concepts clearly, as you'll need to bridge the gap between software and hardware during discussions.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at PerkinElmer.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Software Engineer role. Highlight your technical leadership, software development expertise, and any relevant experience in scientific instrumentation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or developed innovative solutions in complex engineering environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to mention your proficiency in C#/.NET and C/C++. If you have experience with communication protocols or signal processing, let us know! We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between software and hardware.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PerkinElmer
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in C#/.NET and C/C++. Brush up on your understanding of communication protocols like I2C, SPI, and USB. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies confidently will show that you're ready to tackle the technical challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Physics Knowledge
Since this role requires a solid grasp of physics, be prepared to discuss how you've applied physical principles in your previous projects. Think about specific examples where your understanding of physics helped you solve complex problems or develop algorithms for scientific instrumentation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Share stories that illustrate your ability to mentor others and drive technical decisions. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate who can inspire confidence in a complex engineering environment.
✨Prepare for System Integration Questions
Expect questions about how you’ve worked with hardware engineers in the past. Be ready to discuss your experience with debugging opto-electronic systems and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in product development.
