Position Software Developer – Guitar Amplification

Location: Northampton, UK

Permanent role

Blackstar Amplification’s R&D team are recruiting for an exciting new position, the perfect role for a Software Engineer who is passionate about guitars and music technology.

Main Activities and Tasks

• Design, develop and maintain cross-platform desktop applications and audio plugins for the musical instrument market.
• Package and distribute new, and regularly-updated, software for direct distribution.
• Collaborate with the wider team to peer review, bug fix, and generally improve Blackstar’s multi-platform software ecosystem.
• Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for both hardware and software products.

Requirements

• Proven knowledge and professional experience with:

o Modern C++ and the JUCE Framework

o Windows and macOS app development

o Build systems, notably CMake and CPack, as well as codesigning and notarization

o Plugin architectures (AU, VST3, AAX, LV2)

o Low-level software principles

o Version control software (ideally Git) and the command line

o Scripting languages such as Bash or Python

o UI/UX implementation

o Anti-piracy methods, such as PACE iLok.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a commercial software development environment.
• Ability to produce clean, accurate and reusable code.
• Qualified to degree level or above in Computer Science or a related field.
• Highly organised, independent and self-reliant.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.

Desirable

• Experience with:

o CI/CD (ideally GitHub Actions)

o Agile development practices and associated software (Jira, Confluence etc.)

o Unit Testing

o Audio Plugin testing frameworks such as Pluginval

o Rest APIs

o Mobile app development

o Linux development

• An understanding of: DSP Principles, Linux Development, Real Time Audio or LVGL.
• Guitar player or you have an active interest in music technology.

The Offer

• Working with a wider team based in Northampton, UK. Hybrid and Remote working will be considered
• Full time 08.00 - 17.00, Monday - Friday.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Excellent career progression and learning opportunities.
• Workplace pension.
• Private mental health support.

The company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tolls for self-expression.

The Environment:

Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.

Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.

If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone or video conversation would be the first step.

Pay: £27,340.32-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you have a minimum 2 years’ experience in a commercial software development environment?
• Do you have proven knowledge of Modern C++ and the JUCE Framework?

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person