Software Developer

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Software Developer

Permanent

Milton Keynes: £48,000 - £53,000

Hybrid/Smart Working

Closing date: 22nd November

Joining our Assessment Technology team means you’ll be delivering code that impacts the lives of millions of students. On behalf a charity that invests its profits back into education. Ready for your expertise to make an impact? Learn more below.

What you’ll do:

You’ll develop and support high-quality applications to help us deliver top-tier e-Assessment software and services. Working closely with Product Owners, Scrum Master, Business Analysts, Developers and Quality Control professionals you’ll use your skills to bring valuable features to life.

Why you’ll succeed:

• Proficiency in .NET, C#, and SQL, with working knowledge of development principles.
• Experience with Entity Framework, UI Framework (e.g., Bootstrap), REST API Development and Web Services, Front-end tools (React, Typescript), GIT
• Familiarity with Azure development, design patterns, unit testing (NUnit, XUnit, MS Test), and mocking frameworks (Moq, Rhino Mocks).
• Experience delivering code within Agile frameworks, with confidence in Scrum events.

What’s in it for you:

At AQA we recognise our employees' contribution and in return we are proud to offer an extensive reward and benefit package. This includes:

• Balance your 35-hour workweek with flexible hours and smart working tools for office and home.

• Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, increasing incrementally to 30 days after five years, plus up to an additional 4 discretionary days over Christmas and New Year.

• Take 5 additional paid days to participate in volunteering activities that are close to your heart.

• Access private medical insurance from day one, covering new and pre-existing conditions.

• Benefit from our Ride-to-Work scheme, gym access or discounts, Headspace app, and an employee assistance programme.

• Receive up to 11.5% employer pension contributions with various options through salary sacrifice.

• Opt for our electric vehicle scheme which includes the car, insurance, MOT, service, and breakdown cover. 

What next?

If the role looks of interest and you would like to apply, please do so via our portal. Every application will be provided with a written response!

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.

AQA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes people unique.

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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:
The Software Developer is responsible for developing, building, and supporting applications that enable AQA to offer the very best in e-Assessment software and services. They have specialist knowledge of developing in Microsoft .NET with Azure and SQL Server and will have skills in delivering both windows and web-based applications.
They need to be innovators and great problem solvers who thrive within a strong team culture. As part of our continuous improvement program Software Developers will suggest system and process improvements, whilst taking a risk-based approach to system changes in an ITIL environment.Job title: Software Developer
Business Area: Assessment Technology - Scanning & Marking (Milton Keynes)
Department: Assessment Technology
Purpose:
The Software Developer is responsible for developing, building, and supporting applications that enable AQA to offer the very best in e-Assessment software and services. They have specialist knowledge of developing in Microsoft .NET with Azure and SQL Server and will have skills in delivering both windows and web-based applications.
They need to be innovators and great problem solvers who thrive within a strong team culture. As part of our continuous improvement program Software Developers will suggest system and process improvements, whilst taking a risk-based approach to system changes in an ITIL environment.
Landscape:
The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments
The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver millions of GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services.
Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role will be required to provide hands-on technical expertise through critical issues during the Summer series which may require some unsociable hours.
The Software Developer works within a delivery team using an Agile approach to development. The team consists of a Product Owner, Scrum Master, Business Analysts, Developers and Quality Control resources. Together they are responsible for the delivery of features from a prioritised product backlog.
Activities:
Software Development
Maintain specialist knowledge with the Microsoft .Net technology stack.
Be responsible for the development and delivery of the project sprint goals through effective breakdown of tasks, estimates and timely updates in Azure DevOps
Work with Business Analysts, Architects and QC together with own initiative to produce quality code with good unit test coverage. 
Complete all changes identified at code review or Functional testing, first time.
Take ownership of defects in coded areas and resolve these before Sprint completion
Participate in SCRUMs, Retrospectives and Peer reviews
Demonstrate a pro-active approach to communication within the team including any impediments to be escalated to the Scrum Master.
Support production use of systems through customer fixes, including on-call and some out of hours support.
Quality framework
Adhere to documented company and departmental quality procedures, standards, and methods.
Help to evolve the documented departmental procedures and methods.
Create efficiency in development through promoting continuous process improvement.
Team working
Work closely with other team members, e.g. peer programming and code reviews
Report progress and provide regular feedback to the Development Team Leader and team members
Other responsibilities associated with the role:
Risk Management - Participate in the identification, assessment, planning and management of threats and opportunities as appropriate.
Information Security – take an active part in the preservation of confidentiality, availability and integrity of information assets used in conducting the role and follow additional security procedures associated with specific activities where applicable.
AQA Milton Keynes is a recognised Investor in People. It is our Software Developers responsibility to ensure that their own professional knowledge and job skills are always fully up to date.
These responsibilities are not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There may be other duties and requirements associated with the post which the company may reasonably require you to perform from time to time.
To be successful in this role, you will need to have:
Excellent knowledge of .Net, C# and SQL with good working knowledge of development principles
Experience of the following is desirableEntity Framework,
UI Frameworks e.g. Bootstrap
Web Services & REST API Development
React
Typescript
GIT
Azure development experience is beneficial but not essential
Proven experience of implementing design patterns
Experience of delivering code effectively within an Agile environment
Experience of Unit Testing with NUnit / XUnit / MS Test
Experience of Unit Testing Mocking frameworks e.g. Moq / Rhino Mocks
Experience of working with Windows applications is beneficial
Commerical development experience with .Net and Microsoft SQL Server
Confidence in delivering key information and team collaboration in Scrum ceremonies and events.
Confidence to speak out, challenge and bring continuous improvements to the development team.