At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative printing solutions and optimise waveforms for customer applications.
- Company: Xaar, a pioneering tech company focused on sustainable printing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with mentorship opportunities and career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a creative team pushing the boundaries of technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM or equivalent experience in inkjet application development required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Huntingdon and Cambridge (Waterbeach)
Inkjet Innovator. Trusted Partner. Sustainable Future. Xaar is here to create a world where you can print anything you can imagine. Xaar has defined 5 values which are vital to our business; each represents an area of essential importance to us. Their existence is intended to guide difficult decisions and shape behaviour:
- Creative – we push the boundaries of what’s possible
- Collaborative – everyone is a partner; we help each other freely and willingly
- Innovative – we always strive to constantly improve
- Integrity – we deliver on our promises
- Passion – we care about our technology, our products, our partners and each other
Purpose of Role
The primary purpose of this role is to lead the development and optimisation of waveforms in response to demanding customer applications, ensuring high‑quality preparation, printing, measurement, and interpretation of test samples. The role provides expert analysis, guides technical decision‑making, and delivers advanced outputs across customer, R&D, and production programmes in line with project objectives.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Team Lead - Application Development
Line management responsibility: None
Key Accountabilities
- Prepare suitable application test protocols that additionally target application risks within project and customer objectives
- Independently schedule, prepare, print, and measure test samples using qualified processes to industry standards
- Safely validate, optimise and operate print development and measurement equipment with minimal supervision
- Provide contextualised clear and accurate recordings, analysis, and presentation of data to guide application improvements
- Guide improved test method, tooling, and documentation implementation
- Identify issues and elevate project risks appropriately, providing supporting evidence and countermeasures
- Mentor junior staff in equipment operation and workflow best practices
- Ensure that emerging capability gaps are identified and covered
- Design and refine robust test methods that enhance reproducibility and decision quality
- Coordinate cross‑functional technical problem solving to maintain programme momentum
- Guide technical decision‑making in complex or ambiguous application scenarios
- Provide expert interpretation of waveform, print, and measurement data to influence project outcomes
- Deliver high‑quality outputs consistently under increased workload and technical complexity
- Mentor staff and shape team capability
- Recognise and elevate project risks with evidence‑based countermeasures
Key Internal Relationships
- Application Development
- Research and Development
- Team Leads
- Field Applications
- Project Managers
- Commercial Teams
Person Specification
- Excellent inter‑functional communication and interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration
- Proactive team contributor and motivator
- Evidence‑based critical thinker, capable of interpreting complex systems and data interdependencies
- Strong experimental planning and accurate analytical skills
- Robust prioritisation and organising skills, adaptable to ambiguous and fast changing environments
- Excellent time‑planning and delivery reliability, managing technical complexity effectively
- Proficient in analysing and presenting data in multiple formats, producing clear, contextual insights for decision‑making
Experience
- STEM education to at least degree level in a relevant field, or equivalent inkjet vocational experience (Essential)
- Strong multi‑disciplinary communication skills (Essential)
- Proficient in MS Office Suite with some programming/scripting language knowledge, ideally Python (Essential)
- Significant experience in inkjet application development, including independent optimisation and validation of waveform–ink–print interactions, advanced print development and measurement, and producing contextualised interpretation of test data (Essential)
- Demonstrated ability to improve methods, tooling, and documentation; resolve complex technical issues; and support programme delivery through cross‑functional collaboration (Essential)
- Experience mentoring technicians and junior developers (Essential)
- Emerging capability in shaping acceptance criteria, enhancing workflow reproducibility, and understanding system‑level interdependencies (Essential)
Senior Applications Developer in Cambridge employer: Xaar PLC
Xaar is an exceptional employer located in Huntingdon, offering a dynamic work environment for Maintenance Engineers. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and systems, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our commitment to health and safety, alongside a supportive team atmosphere, makes Xaar a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Applications Developer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to inkjet application development. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and creativity, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with Xaar's values like collaboration and innovation. We want to see your passion for technology and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨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 our team at Xaar and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Applications Developer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for technology and innovation shine through. We want to see that you care about what you do and how it impacts our projects and partners.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, especially those related to inkjet application development and data analysis.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the Senior Applications Developer role. Highlight how you can contribute to our collaborative and innovative environment.
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 you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xaar PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of inkjet application development and waveform optimisation. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially any complex projects you've worked on. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Xaar values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with others in the past. Think of examples where you’ve contributed to a team or mentored junior staff. Highlighting your ability to work well with cross-functional teams will resonate with their culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some tricky technical questions related to print development and measurement. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to interpret data on the spot. Practising with sample problems can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Xaar is looking for candidates who are passionate about technology and innovation. Share what excites you about the field and how you stay updated with the latest trends. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates and show that you align with their values.