At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative software for cutting-edge defence technology.
- Company: Join a high-growth AI start-up revolutionising defence and security near Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Work on-site with a dynamic team and gain exposure to diverse technical domains.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex challenges in a fast-paced R&D environment.
- Qualifications: Strong STEM background, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of Python required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors. Based near Cambridge, we are seeking exceptional Software Engineers to join our small but rapidly expanding development team. You will work across a wide range of projects, from early-stage prototypes to fully developed products, helping to build new technologies that solve complex, real-world challenges. This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy, responsibility, and exposure to varied technical domains. You will have the opportunity to work across the full prototype-to-product lifecycle in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing and developing software for both prototype systems and production-ready products
- Working across multiple projects concurrently, adapting to different technical challenges
- Collaborating with engineers to integrate software with hardware and wider system components
- Rapidly learning and applying new technologies to support diverse R&D efforts
- Contributing to problem-solving at all stages of the development lifecycle
- Supporting software used to control hardware platforms, sensors, or custom devices
Requirements
- Strong academic background (2:1 or above) in a STEM discipline (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, etc.)
- Demonstrated ability to solve difficult or ambiguous technical problems
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness and ability to learn new tools, languages, and technologies quickly
- Working knowledge of Python
- Experience interfacing software with hardware or embedded systems
- Familiarity with computer networking
- Experience with deep-learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Understanding of machine learning, statistics, optimisation, or algorithm development
- Experience developing mobile applications (iOS and/or Android)
- This role is suitable for both graduate-level applicants and more experienced engineers, as long as they demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities
Details
- Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
- Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
- Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.
Software Engineer in Cambridge employer: Quell
Quell is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work environment, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the defence and security sector. Located near Cambridge, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities for learning and development while being part of a high-performing team. The hands-on nature of the Senior Human Resources Manager role allows for direct influence on shaping HR processes and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within a rapidly scaling start-up.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer in Cambridge
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Quell or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Quell.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Quell.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Quell that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Quell.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Quell and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quell
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Quell uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
