Senior Scientific Software Engineer

Position based in Exeter, UK.

The role of Senior Scientific Software Engineer involves leading the technical development of specialised scientific software for the Met Office. You will provide technical leadership for specification and implementation, promote software engineering quality, ensure maintenance and support, engage with scientific colleagues, and foster learning among the team.

• Lead the technical development of software applications that meet the needs of the scientific community within the Met Office.
• Promote and contribute to the improvement of software engineering procedures and standards to ensure delivered software solutions meet desired quality criteria.
• Lead the maintenance, documentation and support of software applications to facilitate maximum utilisation and longevity.
• Proactively engage with scientific colleagues to understand and influence their requirements for specialised scientific software solutions.
• Proactively aim to enhance the knowledge of others, identifying beneficial learning areas for both the team and strategic area.

• Lead Criteria
  :
  Show deep and/or broad relevant technical insight through delivery and evaluation of significant advances in software capability by the effective application of technical knowledge, understanding and skills.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand the requirements for your work and its wider context, and significantly contribute to the development of plans to meet these requirements, informing wider strategic planning.
• Promote good Quality Assurance processes, best practice, standards and/or regulations in your work and that of others.
• Communicate knowledge accurately and concisely in written documents and discussions in large groups, tailoring communication for diverse audiences and building trust / credibility whilst enhancing the organisation’s reputation.
• Proactively develop your technical skills and support others in developing their technical skills, leading to improved output and the career development of others.

Up to £60,268 annually, which includes:

• An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Recruitment Retention Allowance (RRA) of £2,700 per annum as a market supplement, paid from April 2026 until March 2027.
• Annual leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years, with an option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year.

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK, with a minimum of 3 of the last 5 years of residence, and must achieve full security clearance within the first 6 months of employment.

We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code.