R&D Software Engineer

Ion recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Guildford is seeking an R&D Software Engineer to contribute to innovative projects. The role involves designing algorithms, collaborating on solutions, and developing software in Python, C++, and C#. Candidates should have an advanced degree and strong analytical skills. This position offers great opportunities for professional growth, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for growth and mentorship

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related.
• Experience in tackling complex technical challenges.
• Ability to explain technical ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and prototyping of algorithms and models.
• Design algorithms for engineering and scientific problems.
• Collaborate on promising ideas to develop practical solutions.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Solid programming ability (Python, C++, C#)

Collaboration in multidisciplinary environments

Strong communication skills

Education

Advanced degree (Master's, PhD) in a technical field

Tools

Python

C++

C#

Job description

Overview

R&D Software Engineer – Location: Surrey, UK • Type: Full-Time • Salary: Competitive (DOE) + Excellent Benefits

Join a world-leading innovator in cutting-edge technology. The R&D team drives innovations, shapes and delivers the next generation of technical capabilities across a diverse software portfolio. The Innovation Team operates at the intersection of research, engineering, and product development, exploring emerging technologies and transforming ideas into tools that create value for users. This role is versatile and high-impact, suitable for candidates across the spectrum—from research scientists to research software engineers and production-grade developers.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to early-stage research and prototyping of modeling, optimization, AI, or simulation approaches.
• Design and implement algorithms, numerical methods, and computational models for complex engineering and scientific problems.
• Translate exploratory research code into reliable, maintainable, and high-performance software for internal or customer use.
• Work across languages and environments (e.g., Python for research, C++/C# or other compiled languages for production systems).
• Collaborate with researchers, domain specialists, and software engineers to identify promising ideas and develop practical solutions.
• Help define technical approaches and best practices for innovation projects.
• Contribute to code quality through testing, documentation, and sound software engineering principles.
• Take ownership of technical workstreams from concept through to implementation and integration.
• For more experienced candidates: provide technical direction on innovation-focused projects, mentor or guide other engineers and researchers, and help shape the longer-term technical roadmap in selected areas of innovation.

Qualifications and Skills

We are open to diverse profiles—whether you are research-oriented, engineering-focused, or a blend of both.

Essential

• An advanced degree (Master's, PhD, or equivalent) in a technical field such as Engineering, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience tackling complex technical challenges.
• Solid programming ability and experience developing technical or scientific software in one or more languages (Python, C++, C# preferred).
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical ideas clearly.

Research-Focused Candidates

• Experience in machine learning, optimization, control, probabilistic modeling, or related fields.
• Development of new algorithms, models, or computational methods.
• Scientific computing, simulation, or numerical methods.

Software Engineering-Focused Candidates

• Professional software development, ideally in scientific or technical domains.
• Writing high-quality, maintainable code in one or more languages (e.g., C++, C# or similar).
• Expertise in software design, testing, and maintainability.

Beneficial (Not Required)

• Experience in applied R&D, innovation, or advanced technology teams.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary areas like digital twins, agent-based systems, reinforcement learning, or advanced optimization.
• Experience mentoring others, leading small technical projects, or guiding technical direction.

Why Join?

• Be at the forefront of technological breakthroughs in a supportive, innovative environment.
• Collaborate with top-tier experts on projects that shape industry-leading products.
• Opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership.
• Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

If you're ready to innovate and make a real difference, apply now. Send your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience.

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds—let's build the future together.