Scientific Software Engineer

PerkinElmer; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking a Scientific Software Engineer to bridge physics and software architecture for next-generation analytical instrumentation. You will translate high-level requirements into designs, extend existing platforms, and create new product designs driving market growth.

The role requires a strong physics background to model instrument behaviour, control opto-mechanical systems, and interpret data accurately while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Honors degree in Physics, Engineering, or CS with strong physics component.
• 5+ years of commercial software experience in complex system development.
• Experience with C#/.NET and embedded C/C++ is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Physics-based development to convert sensor data into insights.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers for system integration.
• Propose concepts for next-generation product development.
• Low-level software coding and algorithms with cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

System development

Education

Honors degree in Physics

Honors degree in Engineering

Honors degree in Computer Science

Tools

C# / .NET

C/C++

Job description

We are seeking a Scientific Software Engineer to contribute to the development of next-generation Fourier Transform Infrared and other analytical instrumentation. This role requires a unique individual who can bridge the gap between complex physical principles and robust software architecture.

The Scientific Software Engineer will be involved in translating high-level user requirements and physical phenomena into technical specifications, architectural designs, and production-ready code. You will operate within a multidisciplinary project team, extending existing platforms and creating new product designs that aim to drive significant market growth.

This position demands more than just data science capabilities; it requires a fundamental understanding of physics to model instrument behaviour, control opto-mechanical systems, and interpret scientific data correctly.

Responsibilities

• Physics-Based Development: Apply a strong understanding of physics to develop algorithms that turn raw sensor data into actionable scientific insight. This involves signal processing, instrument control loops, and physical modelling rather than purely statistical data analysis.
• System Integration: Work closely with hardware engineers to bring up new boards, debug complex opto-electronic systems, and ensure seamless integration between hardware and software.
• Innovation: Propose technology concepts involved in next-generation product development, specifically focusing on thermal analysis and materials characterization.
• Collaboration: responsible for the low-level software coding and algorithms and manufacturing support and collaborate with cross-functional for high level application coding

Qualifications Required:

• Education: Honors degree in Computer science, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering (with a strong Physics component) is strictly required. Note: A pure Computer Science degree without a scientific background will not be sufficient.
• Experience: 5+ years of commercial software experience, with a proven track record in comprehensive system development
• Tech Stack: Experience with C# / .NET and some expertise in C/C++ for embedded systems/firmware would be an advantage.

Desirable:

• Experience in scientific instrumentation, industrial automation, or a similar high-technology environment where software interacts physically with hardware.
• Experience with signal processing (FFT, digital filtering) and image processing or similar computational algorithms
• Understanding of communication protocols (I2C, SPI, USB, Ethernet) and the ability to read schematics/datasheets to aid in firmware development and hardware debugging.
• Knowledge of MATLAB or Python for algorithm prototyping.
• Experience with mobile cross-platform tools (Xamarin/MAUI) or cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS) for IoT-enabled instruments.

Preferred Characteristics

• Analytical thinking driven by data.
• Ability to see both details and the big picture.
• Possessing strong organizational skills.
• Problem solving aptitude involves both creative and pragmatic resolutions.
• Adaptable to change.