Data Acquisition Software Engineer Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 4 Years 
Location: Daresbury Lab, Warrington
Closing date: 16th February 2025

The Data Acquisition Software Engineer Apprentice will be based in the Nuclear Physics Group (NPG) in Daresbury Laboratory. The NPG provides mechanical, electronic, and software engineering expertise to support the UK’s nuclear physics research programme. We design, build and operate custom-made measurement instruments which are then deployed at research facilities around the world. Every project is an opportunity to work with exciting new technologies and no two jobs are ever identical. The apprentice’s responsibilities will include system administration of the NPGs specialist computing infrastructure, and a wide range of software engineering projects covering everything from user interface design to data analysis and controlling custom electronic devices.

About an Apprenticeship

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference to the team.

If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements.

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.

Duties of the apprentice will include: 

• IT Support for the nuclear physics computer network including:
  • Installation of operating systems and computer software.
  • Management of websites.
  • Documentation of IT procedures.  
  • Linux system and computer network administration. 
• Software engineering projects including:
  • Building browser-based user interfaces using the Python programming language and HTML.
  • Writing code to perform data analysis tasks in support of our research.
  • Designing and building software interfaces to custom electronic devices using the C programming language
• Working with nuclear physicists to understand their requirements. 

Training will be provided, but a keen interest in physics and computing, and the ability to work independently, are essential.

Alongside this, you will undertake professional development and training through a mix of day-release and block teaching with Manchester Metropolitan University completing the Digital Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship – Software Engineering.  

The modules you will complete will be a combination of general computing principles applicable to all occupational areas, with specialist units focused on the requirements of developing competencies in a Software Engineering role. 

In your final year, you will also complete your work-based project before undertaking your End Point Assessment which will include a presentation between the university and STFC, covering the work-based project, your approach, outcome and the skills, knowledge and behaviours demonstrated. This will be assessed as part of the overall project assessment.   

You will be supported in developing a portfolio of work-based projects to build and demonstrate the required skills, behaviours and knowledge required for this apprenticeship.    

The qualifications you will achieve are: 

• BSc (Hons) in Digital & Technology Solutions 
• Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions Professional 

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following:

Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both.

Essential:

• Achieved passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English (S)
• A minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points at A Level ( x 3 subjects at grades BCC or above) or an equivalent (S) Level 3 qualification i.e., BTEC National Diploma
• Physics or Maths at A-level  or equivalent
• Previous exposure to any computer programming language. (S&I)
• Ability to work and study independently and within a team. (S&I)
• An interest in experimental physics. (S&I)

Desirable: 

• Physics and Maths A-level. (S)
• Python or C/C++ programming experience. (S&I)
• HTML, JavaScript and CSS experience. (S&I)
• Knowledge of the Linux computer operating system. (S&I)
• Knowledge of computer networking and the Internet protocol suite. (S&I)

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. 
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. 

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? 

Join us and discover what’s possible!