Software Developer jobs in Derby

Company: Ossila Ltd

Contract Term: Permanent

Salary: £40,000-£48,000 depending on experience

Hours: Full time

Application Deadline: 2nd October 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Nottingham (onsite)

We are looking for a software engineer, with experience of developing production-grade software in Python, to join our growing team in Nottingham. In this role, you will assist in the development of new Python-controlled, precision metrology equipment.

About the Role

At Ossila, our engineers and scientists design and build scientific equipment used in fields related to photovoltaics, batteries, organic displays, materials science, and more. Our goal is to enable science across the whole community by making high-performance equipment affordable and accessible. As part of that goal, the Nottingham team is tasked with the design and manufacture of a new range of metrology-based equipment including profilometers, ellipsometers, and nanoparticle sizing instruments.

You will join a team already in the process of developing a suite of metrology equipment, contributing to the projects by:

• Using modern, Python-based systems to develop everything from low-level sensor interfaces and process control algorithms through to user-friendly graphical interfaces.
• Developing clean Python code for complete instrument control and data analysis.
• Applying your expert coding skills and detailed understanding of components and control systems to maximise performance.
• Carefully maintaining software design and code quality, enabling easier software updates and feature upgrades as the range becomes established.
• Working effectively within a small team to produce high-performance equipment that overcome common research and workflow obstacles.
• Helping to grow an international business by producing high-quality software that represents the quality of the Ossila brand.

About You

• You have a laboratory based, PhD-level qualification in physics, electronics, control systems, a related subject, or equivalent professional experience. We welcome candidates with relevant industry, research, or equivalent practical experience.
• You are confident with the development of Python-based GUIs and their application to instrument control and data analysis.
• You are comfortable with the use of Git-based distributed version control software systems.
• You can collaborate with other product design disciplines, such as mechanical, production, and procurement to ensure clean and successful handover of projects into production.
• You work to develop clean, high-quality design and architecture, with an understanding of the importance of testing, documentation and a standardised, modular, maintainable style for Python-based code.
• You can demonstrate experience of planning software or engineering projects, managing priorities, and delivering agreed outcomes.

Your skills and experience may also include:

• Understanding of how AI and agentic systems can be used to optimise the performance of GUIs to enable smooth operation of scientific instrumentation and prevent latency.

Why Work with Us?

Joining our team means you become part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. At our Nottingham site, we offer:

• Autonomy in your work, with appropriate support and opportunities to collaborate
• Career progression following successful delivery of major pieces of scientific instrumentation
• Competitive salaries with regular performance-based pay review
• A long-running, discretionary profit share scheme
• 24 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• Secure bike storage and shower facilities

Working together and in-person is an essential part of Ossila’s approach. We value collaboration, knowledge sharing, and regular in-person interaction, and this is why our roles are office based. If you are someone who shares this perspective and are enthusiastic about joining Ossila in our Nottingham office, we want to hear from you.

About Us

Ossila is a small but high-growth business which manufactures and supplies scientific equipment, materials, and laboratory supplies to institutions around the world. Our aim is to help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery. To do this, we are looking to continue our expansion with a view to building a world-class company of significant size and stature over the next five years. Formed by academics from the University of Sheffield, we now employ over 50 people across our offices in the UK and the Netherlands.

We pride ourselves on our high-quality products, excellent customer support, and accessible prices. Our customers can be found in over 100 countries (approximately 85% of our sales are exported) and include many of the world’s leading research institutions. Most recently, we have won the 2024 King’s Award for International Trade.

How to Apply

To apply, email us at recruitment@ossila.com with a CV and personalised covering letter. This is your chance to tell us why you are interested in the position and how your skills, experience, and qualifications make you a good fit.

Visit www.ossila.com/apply for more information. No agencies please.

Pay: £40,000.00-£48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Profit sharing
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person