Scientific Software Engineer

GBS0 PerkinElmer AES (UK) Limited; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking a Scientific Software Engineer in High Wycombe to contribute to software for next-generation Fourier Transform Infrared and analytical instruments. You will bridge physics and software architecture, turning complex physical phenomena into robust, production-ready code.

You’ll work in a multidisciplinary team to extend platforms and create new product designs that drive market growth, with an emphasis on instrument behavior modeling and opto-mechanical control.

Qualifications

• Honors degree in CS, Physics, Math or Engineering with strong Physics component.
• 5+ years of commercial software experience in system development.
• Experience with C#/.NET; some C/C++ for embedded systems is advantageous.
• Desirable: experience in scientific instrumentation or high-tech environments.

Responsibilities

• Physics-Based Development: develop algorithms turning raw sensor data into actionable scientific insight, including signal processing and instrument control loops.
• System Integration: collaborate with hardware engineers to bring up boards and debug complex opto-electronic systems.
• Innovation: explore concepts for next-generation product development, focusing on thermal analysis and materials characterization.
• Collaboration: perform low-level software coding and algorithms, and support manufacturing and cross-functional teams for higher-level application coding.

Skills

C#/.NET

C/C++

MATLAB

Python

Xamarin/MAUI

Cloud connectivity (Azure/AWS)

Embedded systems

Signal processing

Image processing

Communication protocols (I2C/SPI/USB/E

Education

Honors degree in CS/Physics/Math/Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Job Title

Scientific Software Engineer

Location(s)

High Wycombe

Job Description

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

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.

This role is based on site at our offices in High Wycombe.

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.

Are you ready to help improve the lives of millions of people and create a healthier world? When you work at PerkinElmer, that's exactly what you'll do. From our dedicated scientists and world-class operations employees to our innovative R&D professionals and committed sales and service groups, we're a unique team of 5,000+ global colleagues who come to work every day knowing we're making a difference. Through innovation, collaboration, and believing in our mission, we strive to create an inspiring and inclusive culture for our employees, so that they can be their best and, together, create a better tomorrow.