Junior Software Engineer – Engineering Applications

Role Title: Junior Software Engineer – Engineering Applications

Location: Hexham (Hybrid)

Flexibility: For the right candidate - other base locations or remote working in the UK could be considered, so long as candidates are flexible to travel to Hexham head office and client sites as required

Salary: DOE

This position is offered by PDL, a subsidiary of Vulcain Engineering Group.

At PDL Solutions, we are a specialist engineering consultancy providing advanced technical services across industries including energy, defence, marine, and beyond. Our teams apply expertise in areas such as fluid dynamics, structural analysis, pipe stress, and digital engineering to help clients design, optimise, and maintain complex systems.

As part of the Vulcain Engineering Group, we combine niche expertise with the resources and reach of a global organisation, giving our people opportunities to grow, collaborate, and make an impact on major projects worldwide. Our brilliant engineers and industry-renowned processes deliver quality and consistency.

The Position:

PDL is seeking a Junior Software Engineer to join its growing Digital Team, working at the intersection of engineering and software to solve real-world challenges. You’ll help build bespoke tools and applications that transform how engineers work - improving and automating workflows, managing critical data, and replacing legacy software.

From day one, you’ll be working alongside experienced engineers on live projects, gaining exposure to how complex engineering systems operate and how software can be used to enhance them. Whether you’re a recent graduate or have some early career experience, you’ll be supported in developing your skills while contributing to meaningful solutions using technologies such as C#, .NET, Azure and Python.

If you’re curious, technically minded, and motivated to apply software in a real engineering environment, this is an opportunity to accelerate your development, take on real responsibility, and see the direct impact of your work.

As a Junior Software Engineer, some of your main responsibilities will include:

• Support development of bespoke engineering software using C#, .NET, Azure and Python
• Work closely with engineers to understand workflows, processes, and data requirements
• Assist in building tools that automate engineering tasks and replace legacy systems
• Contribute to development of web and desktop applications under guidance from senior team members
• Learn and apply software engineering best practices, including version control, testing, security controls and documentation
• Participate in requirements gathering and translating engineering needs into simple software solutions
• Carry out testing, debugging, and support & maintenance activity on existing applications
• Develop understanding of engineering environments, safety considerations, and data handling

This is a great opportunity to join a highly specialised engineering consultancy where you’ll learn how software is used to solve real-world, complex engineering problems. You’ll be part of a team that combines strong mechanical engineering expertise with growing software capability, giving you exposure far beyond a typical graduate role. With structureds support, mentorship to achieve CEng status, combined with hands-on project work - you’ll quickly develop your skills while contributing to meaningful solutions used by leading industrial clients.

Candidate Profile:

For this position, we’re looking for individuals who can bring the following:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or a closely related engineering discipline, ideally MEng (1st or 2:1)
• Demonstrable interest in combining engineering and software, rather than pure software development
• Some exposure to programming in C#, Python, Java, or MATLAB (academic, personal, or early work experience)
• Experience of applying coding to engineering problems, data, or workflows (e.g. university projects, simulations, automation tools)
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to understand engineering processes and translate them into logical solutions
• Evidence of being highly motivated and quick to learn, with a proactive approach to developing new technical skills
• Interest in building tools that improve engineering workflows, automate tasks, and manage technical data
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a consultancy-style environment, engaging with different teams and problem sets

Why Join Us?

At PDL, you’ll work on a wide variety of technically challenging projects, developing bespoke software solutions that transform how engineering teams operate, manage data, and deliver results. You’ll be part of a unique team that combines deep mechanical engineering expertise with growing software capability, working closely with real-world engineering problems rather than abstract development tasks.

With investment in modern tools and technology, a flexible hybrid working model, and a compressed 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off), PDL offers both technical challenge and genuine work-life balance. As part of a collaborative, open culture and the wider Vulcain Engineering Group, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your skills, take ownership of meaningful work, and make a visible impact across global, high-value engineering projects.

Benefits Package

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Sickness Pay
• 20 days holiday + all of the English bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
• Option to take 5 days unpaid leave
• Sabbatical scheme
• Company performance bonus
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Training & Development
• Employee referral scheme
• Employee assistance program

We appreciate every application. However, due to the volume we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates who are shortlisted for this role or who may be a strong fit for future opportunities.