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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer - **Company:** Scottish Government - **Location:** Galashiels, UK - **Salary:** £72,000.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** JavaScript (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Architectural Patterns, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Code Review, Databases, Continuous Integration, Data Security, Data Structures, Revision Control Systems, Python (Programming Language), Modular Design, Object-Oriented Software Development, Cloud Services, Next.js, Software Systems, SQL Databases, Virtual Machines, Web Application Frameworks, Flask (Web Framework), Backend, Git, Event Driven Architecture, Solid Principles, Information Technology, Docker, Microservices - **Published:** July 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3c7b6dd3cd32068f ## About the Role * Lead Criteria: Experience writing programs and scripts using Python, object-oriented programming (OOP), Python back-end framework such as Flask, SQL, JavaScript (Next.js) for front end, and version control tools like Git allows you to use agreed specifications to independently design, code, test and document programs or scripts of medium-to-high complexity, using the right standards and tools. * Experience developing and deploying cloud-based services, particularly those built with modern frameworks and databases, using containerisation tools such as Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure (Azure, including App Services and Virtual Machines, help identify and fix faults following agreed procedures and carry out agreed maintenance tasks). * Experience of the technologies and patterns used by established architectural patterns and engineering practices, such as SOLID principles, modular design, secure data structures, and cloud-native patterns like micro services and event-driven architectures enables you to produce detailed designs of components and data structures using well understood technology, appropriate patterns, and security controls embedded. * Experience participating in team development processes to identify process deficiencies and support specific activities to improve them. Behaviours: * Communicating & Influencing - Level 3 * Delivering at Pace - Level 3 ## Description The surrounding area offers access to green space, walking routes and a strong sense of local community, supporting wellbeing both in and outside of work. Our modern office building is designed to support flexible and collaborative working, with spaces for teamwork, quiet focus and hybrid working. Colleagues benefit from a comfortable, welcoming environment that reflects our commitment to wellbeing and inclusion. As a Software Engineer at SPPA, you'll maintain and enhance the agency's Python-based Standalone Pension Calculator which is central to the McCloud Remedy Programme, helping ensure fair pension choices for public sector workers - while building secure, scalable solutions using modern technologies in a collaborative, user-focused environment. This role will form part of the SPPA Development Team, a sub-team of SPPA Information Technology. Responsibilities * Develop, test, and maintain Python-based software solutions - including the standalone pension calculator- using modern frameworks and tools. * Design secure, scalable systems and components following established architectural patterns and development standards. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions meet user needs and strategic goals. * Contribute to cloud-based deployments and support ongoing maintenance and fault resolution. * Participate in code reviews, prototyping, and knowledge sharing to uphold quality and support team development. * Translate user stories and specifications into detailed technical designs and implementations. * Embed security controls and ensure compliance with information security standards throughout the development lifecycle. * Continuously improve development processes by identifying deficiencies and supporting optimisation initiatives., Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If a large number of applications are received an initial sift will be conducted on the Lead Criteria highlighted above. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against the remaining experience and behaviours criteria. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and DDaT technical assessment where the behaviours, experiences and technical skills outlined in the Success Profile will be assessed. Sifting will commence from 3rd August 2026. Interview and Assessments are scheduled for w/c 10th August 2026, however this may be subject to change. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an in-person interview and assessment at the SPPA office in Tweedbank. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. ## Related Videos - [Navigating the Corporate Jungle: Life as a Developer in a large Company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/621-navigating-the-corporate-jungle-life-as-a-developer-in-a-large-company) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [The weekly developer show: Boosting Python with CUDA, CSS Updates & Navigating New Tech Stacks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1293-the-weekly-developer-show-boosting-python-with-cuda-css-updates-navigating-new-tech-stacks) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Dev Digest 131 - AI'm not sure about OSS](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/472-dev-digest-131-ai-m-not-sure-about-oss) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Frontend Developer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/233-frontend-developer-salary-in-the-uk)