Associate Software Developer

Description

The network OSS and automation group builds and maintains software platforms, applications and automation tools that support the company's network operations and engineering work.

This associate role is for someone building core software engineering skills. You will take on well-scoped development tasks, fixes, tests, documentation and integrations under guidance, with structured ownership of smaller items across the development lifecycle.

You will build hands-on experience with Python, APIs, data, testing, CI/CD, containers and service operations. You will work alongside software engineers, senior engineers, tech leads, architects, QA, DevOps, operations and delivery colleagues, and your responsibility will grow as your skills develop.

Responsibilities

• Deliver defined development tasks, fixes and enhancements that follow agreed designs, engineering standards and team practices.
• Clarify requirements, acceptance criteria, dependencies and the intended user or operational result before you start coding.
• Write and update technical documentation, implementation notes and diagrams, and raise requirements, assumptions, risks or blockers early.
• Learn how software moves from requirements and design through testing, deployment and production support.
• Build Python solutions, including APIs, scripts, data changes, background tasks and system integrations, using frameworks such as Django, Django REST Framework and FastAPI.
• Write clear, modular and maintainable code with sound error handling, good source control habits and testable design.
• Gain working knowledge of PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, RabbitMQ and Celery, along with APIs, command-line tools and inventory data sources.
• Work within existing codebases, shared libraries and services, reuse established patterns, and spot unnecessary complexity or duplication.
• Use approved AI-assisted tools responsibly for development, troubleshooting, testing and documentation, and check their output before relying on it.
• Write and maintain unit tests so code is testable, maintainable and ready for peer review.
• Apply team standards for secure coding, dependency management, source control, documentation and code review.
• Work with engineering and QA colleagues to understand expected behaviour, test scenarios and the Definition of Done.
• Act on code review and test feedback, and escalate implementation choices that could add security, quality, supportability or maintainability risk.
• Follow the team's version control, branching, build, testing, CI/CD, release and deployment processes.
• Build experience with Docker and Kubernetes and learn cloud-native deployment and operational practices.
• Help investigate and resolve build, test and production issues using logs, metrics, alerts, dashboards and structured troubleshooting.
• Consider reliability and supportability throughout development, and contribute improvements to tooling, automation, templates and documentation.
• Deliver assigned work within sprint commitments, keeping progress, decisions, dependencies and blockers visible.
• Take part in agile ceremonies including planning, refinement, reviews and retrospectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, business analysis, QA, DevOps, operations and architecture through code reviews, pairing, knowledge sharing and team discussions.
• Communicate technical information, progress and next steps clearly and constructively, and build good working relationships across the team and beyond.
• Own your personal development, your assigned deliverables and the quality of your work, and ask for guidance when you need it.
• Build knowledge of software engineering, cloud-native technology, DevOps, open-source software, telecoms and network automation.
• Explore new technologies through controlled experiments and technical spikes, and document and share what you learn.
• Stay curious and adaptable, respond well to feedback, ask good questions, and escalate blockers with clear context and evidence.

Requirements

• Foundational programming skills, preferably in Python, including functions, modules, data structures and debugging. These may come from education, an apprenticeship, a placement, personal projects or practical work.
• A basic understanding of APIs, Git, testing and development practices, including code review, automated testing and CI/CD.
• Foundational knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases, Linux, containers and cloud-native technology, and the willingness and ability to learn frameworks and tools such as Django, FastAPI, Docker, Kubernetes and messaging systems.
• An understanding of secure coding, data handling, and testing and validating changes before release, including responsible use of AI-assisted tools and checking what they generate.
• A structured, curious approach to technical problems. You can investigate issues, explain your work and assumptions, learn from feedback, and ask for help or escalate blockers when needed.
• Clear, respectful communication with technical and non-technical colleagues, plus collaboration, attention to detail, good documentation, accountability and reliable follow-through.
• You must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Conditions

This is a hybrid role with 2 days in the office per week.

The office is at Brick Lane in the East End of London, an area known for its food, culture and creative scene.

Aldgate East is the nearest tube station, and Liverpool Street Station is a 10-minute walk away, with Underground, National Rail and Elizabeth line services.

Bike parking, showers and changing facilities are available on site. On-site car parking is limited, but public car parks are within a 5-minute walk.

If your application succeeds, you will be asked to complete a criminal record check. Depending on the role and the nature of any convictions, the offer may be withdrawn.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and a Disability Confident Accredited Employer. Reasonable adjustments are available, so tell us about any you need as early as possible.

Benefits

• A free TV package, either satellite or streaming, including sports and cinema channels.
• A pension with an employer contribution of up to 9%.
• Private healthcare with mental health support.
• Digital GP and dental insurance.
• Discounts on the company's mobile, broadband, TV hardware and protection products.
• Share save and tech schemes.
• A range of VIP rewards and experiences.