Modelling Software Engineer

About the Role

The Origin Model is central to Aurora Energy Research's forecasting capabilities, empowering clients such as governments, investors, and utilities to make significant decisions towards net zero goals. This model predicts power prices, generation, capacity expansion, and investment details across over 20 electricity markets globally. It converts complicated energy system dynamics into reliable, scalable software that supports market insights and proprietary platforms.

The core of this system is a large Python codebase, with mathematical optimisation elements written in GAMS and solved via MOSEK. Execution uses Docker containers on an AWS infrastructure, though prior optimisation experience is not mandatory.

You will be part of a squad within the Origin Model Development team, working alongside 4-7 engineers and a product representative. The role encompasses full ownership of features from requirement gathering through design, development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. You will simplify complex modelling concepts and deliver scalable core functionalities tailored for diverse power markets. AI tools are integrated into the development workflow to enhance quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of features and components throughout their lifecycle including planning, coding, testing, deployment, and operational support.
• Accurately decompose and estimate tasks, delivering work predictably in incremental stages to secure early value and continuous feedback.
• Perform regular, thorough code reviews, providing constructive, actionable feedback that promotes learning and quality improvement.
• Advocate software engineering best practices and refine development processes.
• Produce maintainable and robust software solutions favouring simplicity and embedding operational considerations like logging, scalability, and security into the design.
• Leverage AI-driven tools to facilitate coding, reviewing, and testing activities and contribute to defining their effective use within the team.
• Support and mentor team members with diverse experience levels to foster a collaborative and high-performing squad culture.

Skills and Experience Requirements

• Between 2 and 4 years of professional software engineering experience with a demonstrated history of independently managing production software.
• Strong fundamentals in developing maintainable code, modular architecture, and automation of testing, Python being the primary development language.
• Consistent inclusion of automated tests as part of the development workflow.
• Experienced in delivering and receiving meaningful code reviews.
• Capable of independently estimating and breaking down work and delivering within commitments.
• A problem-solving mindset focusing on the rationale and impact of your work beyond technical implementation.
• A collaborative attitude that actively supports the team and contributes toward shared objectives.

• Familiarity with agile delivery using squad-based teamwork is advantageous.
• Experience with AI-assisted software engineering tools and insight into their appropriate application.
• Background in scientific computation, data pipeline development, platform engineering, or industry-specific software such as energy or finance enhances candidacy.
• Knowledge of mathematical optimisation techniques including linear programming (LP) or mixed-integer programming (MIP) employed in energy systems, operations research, or quantitative finance is beneficial but not required.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Parental Support
• Salary-Exchange Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Local Discounts in Oxford
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Seasonal Flu Vaccinations

Aurora Energy Research values workplace flexibility, offering hybrid working arrangements with options for in-office and remote work plus adjustable hours, discussed during the hiring process.

The company is dedicated to equal opportunity employment and prohibits discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity.