Graduate Software Engineer (2026 Cohort)

Ashton Fire Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fire safety consultancy in Manchester seeks a Graduate Software Engineer to join their software team. The role involves designing and developing innovative tools and systems to enhance fire engineering services. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Computer Science, proficiency in Python, and a passion for AI and machine learning. The position offers a hybrid working model and various benefits to support personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Hybrid Approach

9-Day Fortnight

Core Hours

25 Days Holiday

Flexible Bank Holidays

Enhanced Pension

Enhanced Parental Leave

Private Medical

Mental Health Support

Bonus Scheme

Professional Registration Scheme

Christmas Shutdown

Company Events

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python required, other languages are a bonus.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of software development best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of internal software applications.
• Collaborate with senior engineers for automation opportunities.
• Maintain coding standards, version control, and testing practices.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Interest in AI and ML

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Applications are now open for our 2026 Graduate Cohort (Software Engineering)!

Who we are:

Ashton Fire is a dynamic and rapidly growing Fire Safety and Engineering Consultancy. Operating from an ethical platform, our social and environmental values are at the core of our organisation and service delivery. We strive to provide the highest quality, morally and ethically balanced service to our clients whilst maintaining a team-focused working environment.

Application process:

• Applications are open until Friday, 5th December 2025.
• All applicants will be contacted with the outcome of their application by Friday, 12th December 2025.
• Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview in Manchester in January 2026.
• Offers will be made to successful candidates by Monday, 26th January 2026. Our 2026 Graduate Cohort will officially begin on Tuesday, 1st September 2026.

Perks & Benefits:

Most of our benefits are available to all employees from the first day of employment.

• Hybrid Approach: Work a blend of where you’re most productive- whether from home or the office, the choice is yours.
• 9-Day Fortnight: Enjoy an extra day off every two weeks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most.
• Core Hours: Shape your workweek around our flexible core hours, making it easier to balance work and life.
• 25 Days Holiday: Take time to recharge with 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays), rising to 30 days at 9 years’ service.
• Flexible Bank Holidays: Choose when to take your bank holidays, giving you the freedom to celebrate what matters to you.
• Enhanced Pension: Enjoy peace of mind for the future with 6% employer pension contributions, rising to 8% at 5 years’ service.
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity leave and one month of fully paid paternity leave.
• Private Medical: Comprehensive health coverage through Bupa, plus access to our health cash plan.
• Mental Health Support: 24/7 access to medical advice through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bonus Scheme: Annual discretionary bonus based on both company and personal performance.
• Professional Registration Scheme: Bonus scheme to award for becoming chartered and registering for membership with professional institutions.
• Christmas Shutdown: Enjoy a company-wide break between Christmas and New Year on top of your annual leave.
• Company Events: Monthly socials with your local office and three company-wide events per year.

About the role:

As a Graduate Software Engineer, you’ll join our Manchester-based software team to help shape the future of fire engineering through innovation and automation. Working closely with senior engineers, you’ll design and develop tools and systems that make our work smarter, faster, and more data-driven. You’ll have the chance to work across a range of projects, from engineering calculators, automated reporting tools, and APIs to AI-driven analysis platforms, directly impacting how we deliver services to colleagues and clients. This is a hands-on role for someone who’s curious, proactive, and eager to learn.

We will provide a supportive environment for you to develop both personally and professionally, and we want you to be proactive in this by being accountable for achieving your personal and our collective goals.

Responsibilities:

• Support the design, development, and maintenance of internal software applications.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to identify and implement automation opportunities.
• Work with AI and machine learning technologies to solve real-world problems.
• Help maintain coding standards, version control, and testing practices.
• Engage with non-technical stakeholders to understand workflows and deliver practical solutions.
• Contribute to web, desktop, and data tools that improve internal efficiency and client experience.
• Take part in continuous improvement of your software engineering skills, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the team.
• Maintain a positive team environment to promote the overall interests of the company.

Who you are:

• A degree in Computer Science or a related field (Maths, Engineering, Physics, etc.).
• Proficiency in Python (other languages are a bonus).
• Interest or experience with AI and ML technologies.
• Awareness of software development best practices - version control, testing, and documentation.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

At Ashton Fire, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing equal opportunities where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age (within legal limits), disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We believe that a diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas - and that's what drives innovation and excellence in everything we do.