Senior Applications Developer

Xaar PLC; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Xaar PLC in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled technical expert to lead the development and optimization of waveforms for inkjet applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing test protocols, conducting tests, and guiding junior staff. A STEM degree or equivalent experience in inkjet application development is essential. Proficiency in programming (ideally Python) and MS Office is also required. The position values collaboration and critical thinking in a fast-paced technical environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant STEM field or significant vocational experience in inkjet.
• Strong understanding of inkjet application development.
• Experience in mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of waveforms for customer applications.
• Prepare test protocols and conduct tests based on industry standards.
• Mentor junior staff in equipment operation.

Skills

Inter-functional communication

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Programming/scripting (Python)

Education

STEM degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

Python

Job description

Location: Huntingdon and Cambridge (Waterbeach)

Inkjet Innovator. Trusted Partner. Sustainable Future. Xaar is here to create a world where you can print anything you can imagine.

Xaar has defined 5 values which are vital to our business; each represents an area of essential importance to us. Their existence is intended to guide difficult decisions and shape behaviour.

Creative – we push the boundaries of what’s possible

Collaborative – everyone is a partner; we help each other freely and willingly

Innovative – we always strive to constantly improve

Integrity – we deliver on our promises

Passion – we care about our technology, our products, our partners and each other

Purpose of Role

The primary purpose of this role is to lead the development and optimisation of waveforms in response to demanding customer applications, ensuring high‑quality preparation, printing, measurement, and interpretation of test samples. The role provides expert analysis, guides technical decision‑making, and delivers advanced outputs across customer, R&D, and production programmes in line with project objectives.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Team Lead - Application Development

Line management responsibility: None

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare suitable application test protocols that additionally target application risks within project and customer objectives
• Independently schedule, prepare, print, and measure test samples using qualified processes to industry standards
• Safely validate, optimise and operate print development and measurement equipment with minimal supervision.
• Provide contextualised clear and accurate recordings, analysis, and presentation of data to guide application improvements
• Guide improved test method, tooling, and documentation implementation.
• Identify issues and elevate project risks appropriately, providing supporting evidence and countermeasures.
• Mentor junior staff in equipment operation and workflow best practices.
• Ensure that emerging capability gaps are identified and covered.
• Design and refine robust test methods that enhance reproducibility and decision quality
• Coordinate cross‑functional technical problem solving to maintain programme momentum
• Guide technical decision‑making in complex or ambiguous application scenarios
• Provide expert interpretation of waveform, print, and measurement data to influence project outcomes
• Deliver high‑quality outputs consistently under increased workload and technical complexity
• Mentor staff and shape team capability
• Recognise and elevate project risks with evidence‑based countermeasures.

Key Internal Relationships

• Application Development
• Research and Development Team Leads
• Field Applications
• Project Managers
• Commercial Teams

Person Specification

• Excellent inter‑functional communication and interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration.
• Proactive team contributor and motivator
• Evidence‑based critical thinker, capable of interpreting complex systems and data interdependencies.
• Strong experimental planning and accurate analytical skills
• Robust prioritisation and organising skills, adaptable to ambiguous and fast changing environments.
• Excellent time‑planning and delivery reliability, managing technical complexity effectively.
• Proficient in analysing and presenting data in multiple formats, producing clear, contextual insights for decision‑making.

Experience of

• STEM education to at least degree level in a relevant field, or equivalent inkjet vocational experience (Essential)
• Strong multi‑disciplinary communication skills (Essential)
• Proficient in MS Office Suite with some programming/scripting language knowledge, ideally Python (Essential)
• Significant experience in inkjet application development, including independent optimisation and validation of waveform–ink–print interactions, advanced print development and measurement, and producing contextualised interpretation of test data (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to improve methods, tooling, and documentation; resolve complex technical issues; and support programme delivery through cross‑functional collaboration (Essential)
• Experience mentoring technicians and junior developers (Essential)
• Emerging capability in shaping acceptance criteria, enhancing workflow reproducibility, and understanding system‑level interdependencies (Essential)