The Open University

About the Company

The Open University is an expert in flexible higher education that fits around your working life.

We don't make you choose between a degree and a salary - more than 76% of our students are in full or part time work, while 86% FTSE 100 companies have funded staff on OU courses.

Employers including IBM, The Metropolitan Police, Unilever and many more recognise the value for money we provide, while students appreciate the range of affordable routes we offer. As a result, we are the largest academic institution in the UK, with nearly 180,000 current undergraduates, postgraduates and students on validated programmes - plus almost 1.8 million who have studied with us since our foundation in 1969.

When you join the OU, you gain a vast international network of support from university staff, alumni and fellow students (including more than 15,000 overseas) with a truly global reach. Wherever you are based, we offer flexible study with structure and support and we have been rated in the top ten UK universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since its foundation in 2005.

Our commitment to distance learning and access to education enables us to cater for the widest range of students - not only those who are in paid work but also the retired, those returning to education, registered carers, single parents and more disabled people than any other UK-based university.

Flexible, affordable, respected and connected. Don't take our word for it: Listen to what our students say at www.youtube.com/user/OUlife or click on the 'Recommendations' tab at the top of this page.

Listed Jobs

Company Name

The Open University

Job Title

Space Research Software Engineer

Job Description

**Job Title** Space Research Software Engineer **Role Summary** Develop, maintain and verify data capture and analysis software for space imaging missions (e.g., Euclid, Athena, SMILE). Implement and enhance the trap‑pumping calibration algorithm within the Euclid Science Ground Segment, interface with camera systems, and support simulation tools for radiation environment studies. Collaborate across universities, ESA, UK Space Agency, and industry partners. **Expectations** Deliver reliable, well‑tested code that meets project milestones; participate in agile workflows and code reviews; communicate progress clearly in meetings and written reports; uphold best practices in version control and cross‑platform development; support equal opportunity and institutional policies. **Key Responsibilities** - Maintain and extend the trap‑pumping analysis algorithm and associated simulation code for Euclid SGS. - Develop new functionality for data acquisition and analysis pipelines. - Work with CEI Project Teams to ensure adherence to program timelines, raising issues as needed. - Attend project meetings, workshops, and conferences; provide verbal and written progress updates. - Support external collaborators (Durham, MSSL, ESA) per project lead instruction. - Facilitate knowledge exchange with Teledyne e2v and other partners; contribute to broader CEI research activities when required. **Required Skills** - Proficient programming in Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib). - Experience with MATLAB, C/C++ or comparable languages. - Version control expertise (Git, SVN, CVS). - Cross‑platform operation (Windows, macOS, Linux). - Familiarity with software development best practices: code reviews, agile methodologies, and documentation. - Strong analytical & problem‑solving abilities; logical, rigorous work approach. - Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary, international teams. - Knowledge of image sensor calibration techniques (e.g., trap pumping) is essential. - Familiarity with radiation simulation tools (Geant4, FLUKA, MCNP) and/environment software (SPENVIS, FASTRAD) is an advantage. - Exposure to FPGA programming or machine learning is beneficial. **Required Education & Certifications** Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field (PhD is desirable but not mandatory). No specific certifications required.

Milton keynes, United kingdom

Hybrid

06-02-2026