Software Developers for Cloud-based Linux Engineering Systems Industrial Placement

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: £24,961 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12months

Location:  Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire 

Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025 

Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026

Start Date:  September 2026

Are you curious about computing beyond Apps? Do you enjoy coding and want to expand your skills towards configuration of cloud systems for high-performance engineering software? We have an opportunity for a software developer to join our team based in Oxfordshire. As a software developer, you will work alongside a small team committed to developing and maintaining Linux engineering systems in the cloud to support a community of 650 universities. 

Brief overview of the scheme

STFC’s incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. With an STFC Industrial Placement you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. 

We’ll provide challenges that match your skills, and each placement is a unique opportunity to pursue your career interests. You will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities. 

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities 

As a software developer for Linux systems in the cloud, you will have the opportunity to broaden your skill set beyond conventional coding and explore the configuration of advanced cloud-based systems. You will contribute significantly to the creation of tailored solutions for diverse system configurations by emphasizing automated processes and applying DevOps principles.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop configuration management code for automated deployment of Linux virtual machines.
• Customise and configure virtual private clouds, elastic IPs, and mass deployment of multiple machine instances.
• Work closely with CAD software support engineers to identify and address system requirements for successful solution implementation.
• Identify and address system issues to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
• Continuously optimize system performance and stability through proactive monitoring and analysis.
• Stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring our systems remain at the forefront of innovation. 

To apply for this placement, we are looking for the following: 

Key - Shortlisting (S), at Interview (I) or both (S&I) 

Essential:

• Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S) 
• Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S) 
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S) 
• Able to commence employment in summer 2026 (S) 
• Have a minimum of three A-levels at grade C or above, one of which must be mathematics, or alternative qualifications of an equivalent level (S)
• Good knowledge of Linux computing (S&I)
• Have proven programming ability in procedural-based languages and languages suited to scripting (S&I)
• Have some experience with virtualisation and an understanding of the principles of virtualisation technologies. (S&I)
• Demonstrate a logical approach to software debugging and a genuine interest in discovering more about system architectures and developing Cloud based computing solutions (S&I)
• Conscientious, reliable and hardworking with good interpersonal skills and the ability to identify and communicate relevant technical information in English (S&I)
• Submit a credible application that highlights your relevant skills and project work. 

Employee Benefits:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. 

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How To Apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.