Our selection procedure has three parts:

1. Evaluating application forms.
2. A relatively short first interview.
3. A one day second interview.

Evaluating Application Forms

We read the applications we are sent carefully, to choose which applicants we will invite for a first interview. A range of factors are taken into account, but the main ones we consider are described below. If you do not fit these selection criteria, then you may not be suitable for the positions we are seeking to fill.

Academic Achievements

We are looking for applicants with a good honours degree (1st or 2.1) and at least three ‘A’ Levels (minimum grades 1xA and 2xBs) or equivalent. Applicants in the US should have a GPA of at least 3.5. Your degree should be in a scientific or numerate subject (e.g. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Computer Science etc.).

Over half our recruits have PhD’s, DPhils or MSc’s, but we aim to recruit 25% of staff after they have completed their first degree.

Computing Experience

You should have some programming experience. Our main development languages are C#, C++, C, Java, Matlab and Visual Basic, so experience with these languages is preferred.

First Interview

For candidates from the EU, this normally takes place at one of our offices. We try to select the office closest to where you live, however, staff or other constraints sometimes mean we have to ask you to travel to one of our other offices. For candidates in the US, the first interview is normally conducted by phone.

The office at which you will be based will be discussed with you at first interview and will depend on your wishes and our requirements. It may be different from the office at which you have your first interview.

The first interview itself takes just under an hour and is conducted in a fairly relaxed manner. You will be asked to talk about your background and what you would like to do in the future. We will describe Tessella to you and discuss the possible roles you might have in the company. We will try to answer any questions you have about Tessella.

Candidates should hear the result of the first interview within two weeks and may be invited for a second interview.

Second Interview

This lasts a whole day at our Abingdon or Boston office. The bulk of the day is spent writing an example program, working in our normal office environment. This gives you the opportunity to see other people working in the company, and to get a feel for what it would be like working for us. It also shows us how you go about tackling a new problem, how well you structure and document your programs etc.

You will be taken for lunch by one of our project managers. This will give you the opportunity to ask more questions about what it is like working for Tessella, and to find out more about us.

During the afternoon, you will be taken round the office and shown some of the applications on which we are currently working. You will also be asked to give a short, 5 minute presentation to one of the company directors.

At the end of the day, we will review how the programming exercise went with you. Within a few days, we will write to you, hopefully to offer you a job.

Equal Opportunities

Tessella welcomes all talent and recruits the people with the best skills for each role, without regard to race, colour, genetics, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

Important

You should be an EU or US citizen (or be eligible for a UK or US work permit), and be prepared to work in any of a variety of scientific establishments, including those relating to the defence, nuclear and pharmaceutical industries.