Scottish Government Recruitment
Associate Software Engineer
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Are you looking to grow your career in software engineering?
Join Social Security Scotland and help build digital services that make a real difference to people's lives across Scotland.
As an Associate Software Engineer, you'll work as part of a supportive and collaborative team, contributing to the development, maintenance and improvement of modern digital services. You'll have the opportunity to work with experienced engineers, learn new technologies, and develop your technical skills through hands-on experience, coaching and mentoring.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the early stages of their software engineering career who is keen to learn, solve problems and build high-quality digital solutions. You'll be supported to develop your knowledge across software development, testing, security, user-centred design and modern engineering practices, while gaining valuable experience working within a large public sector organisation.
At Social Security Scotland, continuous learning and professional development are encouraged. You'll have access to training, development opportunities and a clear pathway to progress your career within the Digital Profession. Whether you're building on existing experience or taking the next step in your career, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation and personal growth.
Together, we deliver digital services that are secure, accessible and user-focused, helping provide vital support to people across Scotland.
An Associate Software Engineer learns on the job by delivering software components.
At this role level, you will:
- develop skills while working under supervision to deliver stories in a multidisciplinary team
- understand and be proficient in different types of testing
- be aware of but not responsible for security
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities
- Support the development, testing, maintenance and improvement of software applications, services and infrastructure.
- Assist in designing, building and documenting software components, programs and scripts, following established standards and guidance.
- Work from user stories and requirements to help deliver solutions that meet user needs and improve user experience.
- Contribute to system integration activities, including building and testing interfaces between systems.
- Help identify, investigate and resolve software faults and technical issues using agreed processes and procedures.
- Support the delivery of secure solutions by following information security requirements and applying security controls.
- Assist with maintaining service availability, reliability and performance to ensure systems can meet expected demand.
- Use prototyping techniques to explore ideas, test solutions and support development activities.
- Collaborate with colleagues and wider project teams to contribute to the design and delivery of larger systems.
- Apply modern software engineering standards, tools and practices, with support and guidance from experienced team members.
QUALIFICATIONS
Success Profiles
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here. [https://www.gov.scot/publications/success-profiles-candidate-guide/]
For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
Experience:
- Experience of contributing to the development of low-complexity software components and working collaboratively as part of a wider team to deliver larger solutions.
- Understanding of core Modern JavaScript Framework and/or AEM concepts, with the ability to deliver straightforward development tasks and user stories, seeking feedback and guidance where needed.
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Behaviours:
- Communicating and Influencing (Level 2)
- Working Together (Level 2)
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here: [https://www.gov.scot/publications/success-profiles-candidate-guide/pages/behaviour-levels/]
Technical / Professional Skills
This role is aligned to Junior Developer within the Government Digital and Data Profession.
Please review the following to understand the skill expectations Software Developer - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework [https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/role/software-developer#junior-developer]
These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will be not be assessed at application stage.
How to Apply
Apply online, you must provide 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 Profiles 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 [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/] for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement against the first experience criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed.
Please note there may be a telephone interview prior to the final interview stage.
Successful candidates will be invited to an interview which will assess the experience and behaviours, and a technical assessment comprising a technical question and answer session to assess the technical skills.
Full details of the interview and assessment process will be shared with shortlisted candidates once the sift has been completed.
We aim to provide feedback on request. However, if we receive a large number of applications it may not be possible for us to provide specific feedback on your application. We will provide feedback on request to candidates who attend an interview/assessment.
Expected Timeline (subject to change)
- Sift - week commencing 5th October 2026
- Interview – week commencing 19th October 2026
- Location - In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow
Reserve List
In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.
About Us
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here. [https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/]
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/what-we-offer]
As part of the UK Civil Service [https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-us/], we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/nationality-requirements/]
GDD Pay Supplement
This post is part of the Government Digital and Data (GDD) profession and currently attracts a £6,000 annual GDD pay supplement, which is paid monthly. Pay supplements are reviewed regularly.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee.
If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-baseline-personnel-security-standard], or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/]
Equality Statement
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot [Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot].
Find out more about our commitment to diversity [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/an-inclusive-organisation] and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/requesting-adjustments-2] for anyone who needs them.
Right to Work in the UK
Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Please note that UK immigration guidance, including skill and salary thresholds and eligible occupations, is reviewed regularly and subject to change. If you require visa sponsorship, you should check the latest criteria to confirm whether this role meets current requirements before applying. You can find further advice at Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa]
Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission. [https://civilservicecommission
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