Associate Software Engineer

Social Security Scotland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Security Scotland is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to contribute to the development, testing and improvement of digital services for Scotland. You will work within a supported team, learn from experienced engineers, and apply modern engineering practices to real public sector projects.

The role is aligned to a Junior Developer pathway within the Government Digital and Data Profession, with a focus on learning, collaboration and delivering user‑focused software in a large public

Qualifications

• Experience with developing low‑complexity software components as part of a wider team.
• Familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks and AEM concepts; able to deliver straightforward tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support development, testing, maintenance and improvement of software applications, services and infrastructure.
• Assist in designing, building and documenting software components and scripts to established standards.
• Work from user stories to deliver solutions that meet user needs and improve user experience.
• Contribute to system integration activities and build/test interfaces between systems.
• Identify, investigate and resolve software faults following agreed processes.

Skills

Low‑complexity software

Team collaboration

Modern JavaScript

AEM concepts

Job description

(subject to change)
Sift - week commencing 5th October 2026

Are you looking to grow your career in software engineering? Join Social Security Scotland and help build digital services that make a real difference to people's lives across Scotland.
As an Associate Software Engineer, you'll work as part of a supportive and collaborative team, contributing to the development, maintenance and improvement of modern digital services. You'll have the opportunity to work with experienced engineers, learn new technologies, and develop your technical skills through hands‑on experience, coaching and mentoring.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the early stages of their software engineering career who is keen to learn, solve problems and build high‑quality digital solutions. You'll be supported to develop your knowledge across software development, testing, security, user‑centred design and modern engineering practices, while gaining valuable experience working within a large public sector organisation.
At Social Security Scotland, continuous learning and professional development are encouraged. You'll have access to training, development opportunities and a clear pathway to progress your career within the Digital Profession. Whether you're building on existing experience or taking the next step in your career, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation and personal growth.
Together, we deliver digital services that are secure, accessible and user‑focused, helping provide vital support to people across Scotland.

At This Role Level, You Will

• develop skills while working under supervision to deliver stories in a multidisciplinary team
• understand and be proficient in different types of testing
• be aware of but not responsible for security

Responsibilities

• Support the development, testing, maintenance and improvement of software applications, services and infrastructure.
• Assist in designing, building and documenting software components, programs and scripts, following established standards and guidance.
• Work from user stories and requirements to help deliver solutions that meet user needs and improve user experience.
• Contribute to system integration activities, including building and testing interfaces between systems.
• Help identify, investigate and resolve software faults and technical issues using agreed processes and procedures.
• Support the delivery of secure solutions by following information security requirements and applying security controls.
• Assist with maintaining service availability, reliability and performance to ensure systems can meet expected demand.
• Use prototyping techniques to explore ideas, test solutions and support development activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues and wider project teams to contribute to the design and delivery of larger systems.
• Apply modern software engineering standards, tools and practices, with support and guidance from experienced team members.

Success Profiles

We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here.

Experience

• Experience of contributing to the development of low‑complexity software components and working collaboratively as part of a wider team to deliver larger solutions.
• Understanding of core Modern JavaScript Framework and/or AEM concepts, with the ability to deliver straightforward development tasks and user stories, seeking feedback and guidance where needed.

Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing (Level 2)
• Working Together (Level 2)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.

Technical / Professional Skills

This role is aligned to Junior Developer within the Government Digital and Data Profession.

Please review the following to understand the skill expectations Software Developer - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.

These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be not be assessed at application stage.

Expected Timeline (subject to change)

Sift - week commencing 5th October 2026
Interview – week commencing 19th October 2026
Location - In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow

Reserve List

In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.

About Us

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

GDD Pay Supplement

This post is part of the Government Digital and Data (GDD) profession and currently attracts a £6,000 annual GDD pay supplement, which is paid monthly. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre‑employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality Statement

Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Right to Work in the UK

Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Please note that UK immigration guidance, including skill and salary thresholds and eligible occupations, is reviewed regularly and subject to change. If you require visa sponsorship, you should check the latest criteria to confirm whether this role meets current requirements before applying. You can find further advice at Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at [e-mail] in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner.

The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via [e-mail].