Are you passionate about building scalable, user-focused software that powers world-class digital learning?
Join The Open University as a Software Engineer (Development) and help shape the future of online education through innovative, secure, and high-performing applications.
About the Role
As a Software Engineer (Development) (known internally as an Engineer (Development)) at The Open University, you will be part of the Teaching and Learning group, a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to delivering world-class online educational software to our staff and over a hundred thousand students. Collaborating closely with engineers, designers, and product owners, you will build scalable and efficient solutions that meet user needs and support the organisation’s goals.
You will actively participate in all stages of the software development lifecycle, from analysing requirements and designing system architectures to coding, testing, and deploying applications. Your contribution will ensure our solutions are secure, reliable, robust, accessible and user-friendly.
We’re looking for a motivated engineer with a solid foundation in software development and a passion for learning and innovation. If you enjoy solving complex problems, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are eager to grow your skills, this role offers the perfect opportunity to work on meaningful projects and advance your career.
As a vital part of our agile team, you’ll contribute ideas, tackle technical challenges, and mentor junior engineers while supporting our commitment to continuous improvement and development.
The Open University is an employer committed to the ongoing development of staff both through its own award-winning distance teaching and industry standard training programmes. As an organisation it promotes a healthy work life balance with a generous leave allowance, a Christmas closure period and flexible working. Our team work remotely and at the university main campus in Milton Keynes. You should be able to attend in-person meetings, on campus, when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in Software Development: Contribute to the development and enhancement of software systems throughout the software lifecycle, from design to deployment, following best practices and industry standards.
- System & Software Design: Assist in the design and documentation of software and system architectures, ensuring that solutions are scalable, reliable, and meet The Open University’s needs.
- Program & Debug Software: Write, test, and maintain high-quality code with accompanying test scripts and documentation, ensuring that it is well-structured, efficient, and aligns with project requirements.
- Assist with System Integration: Support the integration of various software components and systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and functionality.
- Lead Testing Efforts: Design and execute test plans to validate software quality, ensuring functionality, performance, and security requirements are met.
- Support Software Configuration Management: Manage software configuration and version control, ensuring that changes are tracked, documented, and easily retrievable.
- Data Modelling & Database Design: Contribute to data modelling and assist with database design to support application development and data integrity.
- User Experience & Analysis: Support user experience design and analysis to ensure that the software solutions are user-friendly and meet stakeholder expectations.
- Monitor Emerging Technologies: Stay updated with emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on current and future projects.
- Information Security & Quality Assurance: Implement security measures and contribute to quality assurance processes to maintain the integrity and reliability of software systems.
- Contribute to Services, Products & Requirements Analysis: Engage in business analysis to understand stakeholder needs and help define and document technical requirements.
- Evaluate Feasibility: Conduct feasibility assessments for proposed solutions to determine their technical viability and alignment with project goals.
- Non-functional Testing: Perform non-functional testing to ensure systems meet performance, scalability, and security standards.
- Support Application & System Operations: Provide support for application and system operations, assisting in incident management, including out-of-hours as required, and ensuring smooth functioning of services.
- Availability & Capacity Planning: Contribute to managing system availability and capacity, ensuring that services are reliable and scalable to meet current and future needs.
- Problem Management: Participate in problem management processes, helping to identify and resolve underlying issues to improve system stability.
You will support this work by developing and advocating for the Open University’s Engineering manifesto and promoting best practices.
About You
Key Skills and Experience
- Proven Software Development Experience: At least 2 years’ experience in a software development role.
- Software Development Lifecycle: Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and deployment.
- Software Design and Development: Strong skills in designing and developing software solutions that are scalable and efficient.
- Advanced Testing Knowledge: Proficient in functional and non-functional testing to ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.
- Data Modelling & User Experience: Experience in data modelling and supporting user experience design to enhance software usability and effectiveness.
- Emerging Technology Awareness: Keen interest in exploring new technologies and their potential applications within the organisation.
- Security & Quality Focus: Understanding of information security and quality assurance practices to maintain the reliability and security of software solutions.
- Analysis & Requirements Management: Ability to analyse requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
- System Support & Operations: Experience in supporting application and system operations, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring system stability.
Behaviours
- Problem Solver: You approach challenges with a logical and analytical mindset, finding effective solutions to complex problems.
- Collaborative: You work well in team environments, communicating effectively, sharing knowledge and ideas, and contributing to collective success.
- Adaptable: You thrive in a dynamic work environment and are open to learning new skills and technologies.
- Detail-Oriented: You have a keen eye for detail, ensuring that your work is accurate, high-quality, and aligns with project goals.
- Curious & Innovative: You stay updated on the latest industry trends and are always looking for ways to incorporate new ideas and technologies into your work.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
Why Join The Open University?
At The Open University, we’re proud pioneers of accessible education and digital innovation. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your work has real impact.
Our benefits include:
- 33 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three-day Christmas closure period.
- Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions.
- Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free.
- Hybrid working, with limited requirement to attend the office in-person, with agile working and family friendly policies.
- Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply now and help us build the digital platforms that empower the next generation of learners at one of the UK’s most respected institutions.
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