Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer (C++ / Windows Desktop)

Warrington
Full-Time
£48,000-£52,000 + Bonus

About The Company

We're partnered with an organisation who design and manufacture high-performance systems used in cutting-edge scientific and industrial research.
They are a medium-sized organisation with a collaborative, close-knit culture. The software team is small (currently four engineers), highly skilled and plays a central role in delivering mission-critical systems that scientists rely on every day.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer with strong expertise in C++ Windows desktop development to take a leading role in their flagship scientific application.
This is not a maintenance-only role. You will:

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  Lead development of a Windows desktop application written in C++
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  Control and interface with highly specialised scientific instrumentation
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  Develop features that enable scientists to configure experiments, acquire data and perform analysis
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  Optimise performance, improve security, and resolve complex technical issues
• 
  Help ensure compliance as we expand into new global markets

You'll be stepping into a key position within the team. With upcoming succession planning over the next 12 months, this role offers the opportunity to take increasing technical ownership and leadership responsibility.

What You'll Be Doing

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  Design, develop and maintain Windows desktop applications in C++
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  Enhance GUI functionality and user experience (RAD Studio preferred; Visual Studio also considered)
• 
  Collaborate closely with scientists and engineers to implement data acquisition and analysis features
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  Troubleshoot software issues, including critical release fixes where sound technical judgement is essential
• 
  Contribute to compliance, performance optimisation and security improvements
• 
  Provide occasional technical support input where required
• 
  Produce clear documentation to support long-term maintainability

This is effectively a full-stack desktop role - spanning UI design, application logic and system-level integration.

About the Team

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  4-person software team
• 
  Embedded developers supporting hardware integration
• 
  A collaborative engineering environment within a manufacturing setting
• 
  Strong knowledge-sharing culture
• 
  Opportunity to learn from senior team members ahead of planned retirement transitions

You'll be someone the team can trust, particularly when making technical decisions during high-pressure release situations.

Essential Skills & Experience

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  Minimum 5 years' experience developing Windows desktop applications in C++
• 
  Strong experience in desktop GUI development
• 
  Experience with RAD Studio (desirable) or Visual Studio
• 
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• 
  Experience leading or taking ownership of software projects
• 
  Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• 
  Scientific, research, or manufacturing environments
• 
  Developing GUI applications for scientific users
• 
  Data acquisition or statistical data analysis
• 
  APIs and inter-process communication
• 
  Exposure to vacuum systems or laboratory equipment
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  Understanding of compliance requirements for regulated markets
• 
  BSc (or higher) in Computer Science or related discipline

Working Arrangements

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  Full-time, permanent
• 
  36.5 hours per week
• 
  Monday to Friday
• 
  Early finish on Fridays
• 
  Initially on-site (5 days per week)
• 
  Potential for ad hoc flexibility after probation (by discussion)

Salary & Benefits

• 
  £48,000-£52,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• 
  Annual company performance bonus
• 
  Christmas bonus
• 
  Annual July salary review (consistently awarded over the past 10 years)
• 
  23 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing up to 29 days + bank holidays)
• 
  Private healthcare after two years' service
• 
  Group Personal Pension Scheme
• 
  Free on-site parking
• 
  Professional development opportunities

Interview Process

1. 
   Initial Zoom interview with Hiring Manager
2. 
   On-site technical interview with senior team members and Director
3. 
   Final commercial discussion

Who This Role Suits

This position is ideal for an experienced C++ desktop engineer who:

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  Enjoys building robust, high-performance software
• 
  Is confident taking technical ownership and leading projects
• 
  Wants to work on meaningful scientific applications
• 
  Values stability, long-term progression and technical depth over short-term churn

If you're ready to play a key role in shaping mission-critical scientific software, we'd love to hear from you.