Junior Software Engineer

Hillingdon Council; City Of London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Job summary

Hillingdon Council is seeking a Junior Software Engineer to join the Application Development & Support Team in London. The role offers hands-on experience across software development, application support, testing, data quality and system improvement while working with experienced professionals.

You will triage support tickets, provide first/second-line support, and participate in UAT, upgrades and project delivery as part of a team delivering essential public services.

Qualifications

• A Levels (including Computer Science) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge or experience of software development, application support or system testing.
• Exposure to technologies such as SQL, JavaScript, Python, Power Platform or web development technologies.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact in the team for support tickets, triaging requests and ensuring incidents contain sufficient information for timely resolution.
• Provide first and second‑line application support, troubleshooting and resolving software and system issues.
• Escalate issues to internal teams, suppliers or third parties as required, maintaining issue logs and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
• Monitor application performance and undertake routine system checks.
• Take ownership of user issues, providing advice, guidance and training where appropriate.
• Support and maintain business‑critical applications used across Council services.
• Assist with software development, system configuration, testing and implementation activities.
• Support user acceptance testing (UAT) and work with business users to ensure solutions meet operational requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues, suppliers and business stakeholders to review system performance, specifications and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with application upgrades, enhancements and project delivery activities from requirements through to implementation.
• Support data quality initiatives, including data validation, matching, cleansing and system improvement activities.
• Produce and maintain technical and user documentation.
• Contribute to process improvements and the continuous development of software applications and services.
• Work collaboratively across teams to support the successful delivery of technology projects and digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

A Levels (including Computer Science)

BTEC in ICT

Software Development Apprenticeship

Tools

SQL

JavaScript

Python

Power Platform

Web development technologies

Job description

About the role

Start Your Technology Career with Hillingdon Council

Are you passionate about technology, software development and solving problems? Looking for an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while working on systems that support essential public services?

We are seeking an enthusiastic Junior Software Engineer to join our Application Development & Support Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their technology career to develop practical skills in software development, application support, testing, data quality and system improvement whilst working alongside experienced professionals.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Act as the first point of contact in the team for support tickets, triaging requests and ensuring incidents contain sufficient information for timely resolution.
• Provide first and second‑line application support, troubleshooting and resolving software and system issues.
• Escalate issues to internal teams, suppliers or third parties as required, maintaining issue logs and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
• Monitor application performance and undertake routine system checks.
• Take ownership of user issues, providing advice, guidance and training where appropriate.
• Support and maintain business‑critical applications used across Council services.
• Assist with software development, system configuration, testing and implementation activities.
• Support user acceptance testing (UAT) and work with business users to ensure solutions meet operational requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues, suppliers and business stakeholders to review system performance, specifications and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with application upgrades, enhancements and project delivery activities from requirements through to implementation.
• Support data quality initiatives, including data validation, matching, cleansing and system improvement activities.
• Produce and maintain technical and user documentation.
• Contribute to process improvements and the continuous development of software applications and services.
• Work collaboratively across teams to support the successful delivery of technology projects and digital transformation initiatives.

We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in technology, a willingness to learn and a desire to build a career in software engineering and application support.

You may have:

• A Levels (including Computer Science), a BTEC in ICT, a Software Development Apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge or experience of software development, application support or system testing.
• Exposure to technologies such as SQL, JavaScript, Python, Power Platform or web development technologies.
• Good problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high‑quality work.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while taking ownership of your own learning and development.

Why Join Us?

• Gain hands‑on experience in a Commercial Off‑The‑Shelf (COTS) application support environment.
• Work on real projects that support services used by thousands of residents.
• Learn from experienced software engineers and application specialists.
• Access training, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to the Council's digital transformation and innovation agenda.

This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring software engineer to develop technical skills, gain valuable experience and build a rewarding career within one of London's largest local authorities.

Join us and help create the technology services that make a difference to residents every day.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work‑life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36‑hour workweek for all full‑time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non‑casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work - Eco‑friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24‑hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership - The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees' freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Basic DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 2 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.