Software Engineer – C

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Website Talent Ali

Software Engineer – C++

Company: Apply4U

Location: Leicester, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-time

Professional Job Summary

This technical role sits at the intersection of high-precision hardware and sophisticated software engineering. As a Software Engineer specializing in C++, you will join a legacy-rich technology organization in Leicester that has spent five decades leading the field in color science and measurement instrumentation. Working in a specialized three-person software unit, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of both desktop (PC) and embedded applications. This position is designed for an engineer who seeks high levels of autonomy and the opportunity to see their code directly impact physical products shipped to a global client base.

Key Responsibilities

  • Application Development: Architect and maintain C++ applications across PC environments and embedded platforms, ensuring high performance and stability for precision calibration tools.

  • Lifecycle Management: Drive the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), from initial requirement gathering and modular design to deployment and post-launch maintenance.

  • Testing & Quality Assurance: Design, implement, and manage automated testing suites to validate measurement accuracy and software reliability.

  • Version Control: Oversee source control systems to maintain code integrity within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary engineering environment.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with hardware engineers and physicists to translate complex measurement theories into functional software modules.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Core Language Proficiency: Advanced command of C++ (specifically C++17 standards) and a deep understanding of Object-Oriented Design (OOD) principles.

  • Academic Background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, or a strictly related technical discipline, providing the theoretical foundation necessary for precision science applications.

  • Professional Experience: Ideally 1–2 years of post-graduate software development experience. High-caliber graduates with significant C++ project portfolios will also be considered.

  • Technical Toolkit: Familiarity with the Standard Template Library (STL).

  • Soft Skills: Clear technical communication skills and the ability to operate effectively within a small, agile team structure.

  • Preferred (Non-Essential): Exposure to MFC or Qt frameworks, image processing (OpenCV), or the Boost libraries is highly advantageous; however, the company provides internal technical upskilling in these areas.

About the Company

Apply4U’s client is a cornerstone of the UK’s precision manufacturing sector, boasting over 50 years of innovation in color science. Based in Leicester, the firm operates as a global exporter, providing critical measurement solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious brands. While they hold a long heritage, the business is currently undergoing a digital transformation, shifting toward software-defined instrumentation. This evolution offers the stability of an established firm paired with the dynamic energy of a modernizing tech department.

Market & Industry Context

The “Silicon Enclave” of the East Midlands, particularly Leicester, has become a vital hub for specialized engineering. This role is situated within the niche but high-growth sector of Metrology Software. As global manufacturing moves toward Industry 4.0, the demand for precise, software-calibrated measurement tools has surged. By joining this firm, you are entering a market resistant to typical tech-sector volatility, as high-precision measurement remains a mandatory requirement for global supply chains in automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Career Growth & Progression Path

  • Technical Mastery: Given the small team size (reporting to the Head of Software), the incumbent will likely transition from a Junior/Mid-level Engineer to a Senior Systems Architect or Principal Software Engineer as the department expands.

  • Specialization: There is a clear path to becoming a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Computational Color Science or Computer Vision, fields that are highly lucrative and in short supply globally.

  • Leadership: Successful candidates who demonstrate strong ownership may eventually oversee junior developers or interns as the firm continues its software-centric growth strategy.

Interview Preparation Insights

The cornerstone of this hiring process is a 4-5 hour technical assessment. Candidates should prepare for the following:

  1. Algorithmic Efficiency: Expect challenges that test your ability to write memory-efficient C++ code, particularly relevant for embedded systems.

  2. Mathematical Logic: Review your coordinate geometry or signal processing basics, as the firm’s products rely on translating physical measurements into digital data.

  3. Code Cleanliness: Since the team is small, “readable” and “maintainable” code is just as important as “working” code. Be prepared to explain your architectural choices during the follow-up review.

Estimated Salary Insight

Market Estimate: £35,000 – £48,000 per annum Note: This is a market estimate based on similar C++ developer roles within the Leicestershire engineering sector for candidates with 1-2 years of experience. The final offer will include a non-contractual annual bonus of £1,500–£2,000.

Work Environment & Location Insights

The role is based in a modern open-plan office in Leicester, fostering immediate collaboration between the software and hardware teams. The working culture is structured yet offers a unique “Friday Finish” at 3:00 PM, a common but highly valued perk in UK engineering firms that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Leicester itself offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to London or Cambridge, while maintaining excellent rail links to major UK tech hubs.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Note

This organization is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. Selection is based strictly on merit and technical competency.

This summary details the Software Engineer (C++) position at a specialized technology firm in Leicester, focusing on high-precision measurement and color science.

Core Role Summary: Software Engineer – C++

Category Details & Specifications
Institution Technology Specialist (50+ years heritage)
Location Leicester, United Kingdom (5 days on-site)
Team Structure Small team of two; reports to Head of Software
Contract Type Full-time, Permanent
Primary Focus PC and Embedded applications for precision calibration

Technical Responsibilities & Workflow

As the company transitions toward a software-driven product range, you will have significant ownership over the full development lifecycle:

  • Platform Development: Developing and maintaining C++ applications across both PC environments and embedded platforms.

  • Module Engineering: Building new software modules for global calibration and maintenance equipment.

  • Quality Assurance: Writing and managing automated tests to ensure high-precision accuracy.

  • Infrastructure: Managing source control systems and collaborating across engineering disciplines (Physics, Hardware, and Software).

Candidate Requirements

The client is looking for a mathematically-minded developer who can work with a high degree of autonomy.

  • Essential Technical Skills:

    • Strong C++17 proficiency and Object-Oriented Design (OOD).

    • 1–2 years of post-university experience (or a high-caliber graduate).

  • Academic Background: Degree in Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

  • Desirable Skills (Training Provided):

    • Frameworks: MFC or Qt.

    • Libraries: OpenCV, Boost, or STL.

    • Domain Knowledge: Image processing or color science.

Working Hours & Compensation

  • Schedule: Monday–Thursday (08:00–17:00) with a flexible start; early finish on Friday (15:00).

  • Bonus: Non-contractual annual bonus ranging from £1,500 – £2,000.

  • Leave: 22 days (increasing with tenure up to 26 days) plus bank holidays.

  • Health & Security: Medicash health benefit, 3% statutory pension, and Death in Service (4x salary).

Selection Process

Candidates who clear the initial sift will be required to complete a technical assessment lasting approximately 4–5 hours to demonstrate their C++ logic and problem-solving capabilities.

To apply for this job please visit www.apply4u.co.uk.