Senior Software Engineers, ML / UX / DevOps & Test Automation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Engineers, ML / UX / DevOps & Test Automation

Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific

Location: Vantaa, Finland (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Engineering / Operations Technology

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with on-site requirement in Vantaa)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality software solutions for regulated microbiology products, with a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, usability, and compliance.

• Specialize in one of three key areas: Machine Learning (ML), User Experience (UX), or DevOps and Test Automation, contributing expertise to enhance product capabilities and development processes.

• Drive modernization and continuous improvement initiatives, including the adoption of modern tools, AI-based development assistance, and robust quality-driven development practices.

• Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional international team, including product owners, testers, architects, and regulatory affairs, to deliver integrated software solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Software Engineer," the description emphasizes hands-on development and specialized contributions in ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation, indicating a role that blends deep technical execution with strategic process improvement. The focus on regulated medical devices (IVDR) implies a rigorous approach to software development lifecycle management, making this a critical role for ensuring product quality and compliance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Software Design and Development: Architect, code, test, and maintain robust software applications, primarily for Windows desktop environments, utilizing languages like C#/.NET or Java.

• Specialized Expertise Contribution: Actively contribute to projects and initiatives within your chosen focus area (ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation) to drive innovation and efficiency.

• ML Focus: Research, prototype, and implement machine learning models, evaluate model performance, and develop data pipelines to support new and existing ML features in microbiology applications.

• UX Focus: Enhance user experience through user-centered design principles, usability testing, workflow analysis, and the implementation of intuitive user interfaces and design systems.

• DevOps & Test Automation Focus: Implement and improve test automation frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, development workflows, and tooling to increase development velocity, reliability, and product quality.

• Process Improvement and Modernization: Identify and implement enhancements to existing software, development practices, testability, and maintainability, including the integration of AI-based development tools and cybersecurity best practices.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Engage with product owners, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful delivery of software solutions.

• Quality and Compliance Adherence: Strictly follow defined development processes, ensuring thorough documentation, traceability, verification, validation, and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., IVDR).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the core software engineering duties from the specialized focus areas, requiring candidates to demonstrate proficiency in both. The emphasis on regulated environments (IVDR) necessitates a deep understanding of quality management systems and documentation requirements, which are critical for operations technology roles in the healthcare sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications, with a preference for Windows desktop environments.

• A strong foundation in software engineering principles, including software design patterns, debugging techniques, source control management (e.g., Git), and collaborative development workflows.

• Proven ability to work systematically, communicate technical concepts clearly, document work effectively, and adapt to domain-specific development practices. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C#/.NET or Java.

• Solid understanding of software design principles, debugging, and source control (e.g., Git).

• Experience with automated testing methodologies and frameworks.

• Familiarity with collaborative development workflows and CI/CD concepts.

• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal); Finnish language proficiency is considered a plus. Preferred Skills:

• Machine Learning: Experience with ML models, model evaluation, data pipelines, and applying AI in software development.

• User Experience (UX): Expertise in usability, user-centered design, workflow analysis, UI implementation, and design systems.

• DevOps & Test Automation: Strong experience in test automation, DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and improving development workflows and tooling.

• Experience with clinical microbiology, diagnostics, healthcare software, or laboratory workflows.

• Broad software engineering experience across cloud, web, mobile, or connected systems.

• Experience with cybersecurity practices and implementation.

• Familiarity with IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation) medical device software requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills highlights the need for strong core software engineering abilities, with specialization in one of the three focus areas being a significant advantage. Candidates with experience in regulated medical device software (IVDR) will find themselves well-positioned due to the nature of Thermo Fisher's products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Code Samples: Showcase well-structured, documented code demonstrating proficiency in C#/.NET, Java, or relevant ML/UX/DevOps scripting languages.

• Project Demonstrations: Detail specific projects where you applied your expertise in ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation, highlighting your role and contributions.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present examples of how you have improved development workflows, implemented automation, or enhanced user experience in previous roles.

• Quality & Compliance Documentation: If applicable, include anonymized examples of documentation or processes you followed to ensure software quality and regulatory compliance in a regulated environment.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of structured software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes, including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing (unit, integration, system), verification, validation, and release management.

• Ability to document processes clearly, including workflow diagrams, technical specifications, and test plans, adhering to quality standards.

• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and their role in managing code changes and collaborative development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not just showcase code but also illustrate a candidate's understanding of process, quality, and specialized domain knowledge (ML, UX, or DevOps). For DevOps/Test Automation candidates, demonstrating CI/CD pipeline configurations or automated test suite structures would be highly beneficial. For ML candidates, showcasing model deployment or data pipeline architecture is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a senior-level role in Finland, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Software Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Helsinki metropolitan area (including Vantaa), a typical annual gross salary range would be approximately €55,000 - €75,000.

• The final salary will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the outcome of the interview process. Benefits:

• Financial Incentives: Annual bonus scheme and a colleague recognition program.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive occupational health care services and insurance.

• Work Flexibility: Possibility for remote work with agile and mobile working methods, though the role requires on-site presence in Vantaa.

• Leisure: Epassi leisure benefit for personal well-being and activities.

• Social Activities: Company-sponsored hobby clubs (e.g., golf, boating, sports) and opportunities to participate in charity work.

• Professional Development: Significant career development and progression opportunities within Thermo Fisher's global network.

• Learning Resources: Access to a comprehensive training platform and programs for continuous skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, typically aligning with a 40-hour work week.

• The company promotes agile and mobile working methods, suggesting some flexibility in daily schedules, though on-site presence in Vantaa is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior software engineering roles in the Helsinki region, considering the cost of living and typical compensation structures in Finland. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting Thermo Fisher's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Scientific Instruments & Services, Biotechnology, Healthcare Diagnostics. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in serving science, providing a vast range of products and services to researchers, clinicians, and laboratories worldwide.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally; over 800 employees in Finland). This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and global career opportunities.

Founded: 2006 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, through merger). The company has a long history of innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of an international team of professionals focused on software development for microbiology products.

• Engineers will work within cross-functional teams that include product owners, testers, architects, project managers, and specialists from quality, regulatory, and R&D departments.

• The "transferring these roles from abroad to Finland" suggests a team structure that is integrating global expertise locally. Methodology:

• The team operates within a quality-driven development framework, essential for regulated medical device software (IVDR). This involves systematic processes, documentation, traceability, verification, and validation.

• Emphasis is placed on continuous improvement, modernization of software and development practices, and the adoption of modern tools, including AI-based development assistance.

• Agile and mobile working methods are encouraged, promoting flexibility and efficient collaboration.

Company Website: www.thermofisher.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Thermo Fisher's culture in this division is characterized by a blend of scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a commitment to innovation within a highly regulated sector. The "serving science" mission implies a dedication to enabling customer success through reliable and advanced technology. The recent announcement of divesting the microbiology business to Astorg means that while hired by Thermo Fisher, employment is expected to transition to Astorg upon transaction completion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Technology Career Level: This is a Senior Software Engineer role, implying 5-10 years of relevant experience. It’s a position that requires not only strong technical execution but also the ability to influence technical direction and mentor junior engineers, particularly within the chosen specialization (ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation).

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, senior engineers typically report to a Software Engineering Manager or Team Lead, and work collaboratively within cross-functional product teams. They are expected to interface with product owners and architects.

Operations Technology Impact: Software developed by this team is integral to in vitro diagnostic laboratory solutions. The quality, reliability, and usability of this software directly impact the accuracy of diagnostic results, patient care, and laboratory efficiency. Contributions in ML, UX, or DevOps can significantly enhance product performance, user satisfaction, and the speed/efficiency of development and deployment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Technical Lead, Architect, or Engineering Manager, guiding teams and strategic technical decisions.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Gain exposure to other areas of the business, such as R&D, Quality Assurance, or Product Management, within Thermo Fisher's global structure.

• Continuous Learning: Access to extensive training platforms, global network resources, and potential participation in industry conferences to stay abreast of evolving technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for technical specialists to grow into leadership positions or advanced technical contributor roles. The emphasis on regulated environments provides unique challenges and learning opportunities in compliance and quality management, which are highly valued in the medical technology sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment in Vantaa, Finland. The description mentions "Office" under Environmental Conditions, indicating a requirement for on-site work.

Office Location(s): Vantaa, Finland (specifically Ratastie 2). The Vantaa site is described as developing laboratory automation solutions, analyzers, and diagnostics, and is conveniently located near the Vantaankoski railway station.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as international, fostering collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds.

• Expect a structured, quality-focused setting due to the nature of medical device software development.

• Access to modern development tools and technologies, including potential AI-based development assistance, will be available.

• Opportunities for interaction with cross-functional teams (product, QA, regulatory, project management) are integral to the role. Work Schedule:

• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday.

• While promoting agile and mobile working methods, the role is on-site in Vantaa, implying that remote work is not the primary arrangement for this specific position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires on-site presence, which is crucial for collaborative activities, team integration, and adherence to strict development processes in a regulated environment. The office location in Vantaa is noted for its accessibility, which is a practical consideration for daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, cover letter, and salary request to assess qualifications and alignment with focus areas (ML, UX, DevOps/Test Automation).

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions covering software engineering fundamentals, programming language proficiency (C#/.NET, Java), and specific expertise in ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation. Expect problem-solving exercises and scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of your portfolio, showcasing relevant projects, code samples, and contributions to process improvements.

• Cross-functional Team Interaction: Interviews with potential team members, product owners, or architects to assess collaboration skills, communication clarity, and cultural fit within an international, quality-focused team.

• Final Interview: May include discussions with hiring management to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Thermo Fisher's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Highlight 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in your chosen focus area (ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation) and your experience with quality-driven development.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the measurable outcomes or improvements achieved (e.g., reduced bug count, increased test coverage, improved user satisfaction scores, faster deployment cycles).

• Showcase Process: Explain the development process you followed, including how you handled requirements, design, testing, and documentation, especially if it involved regulated environments.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, challenges faced, how you collaborated with others, and what you learned from the experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Be prepared for live coding exercises or take-home assignments focusing on core programming skills (C#/.NET, Java) or problem-solving relevant to ML, UX, or automation.

• System Design/Architecture: For senior roles, questions about designing scalable, reliable, and maintainable software systems may be posed.

• Process & Automation Scenarios: If applying for the DevOps/Test Automation focus, expect questions about CI/CD pipelines, test strategy, infrastructure as code, or troubleshooting common automation issues.

• ML/UX Scenarios: For ML roles, expect questions on model selection, data preprocessing, or evaluation metrics. For UX roles, anticipate discussions on user research, usability testing, or UI design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially when demonstrating specialized skills. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the "why" behind their technical decisions and how their work aligns with the rigorous demands of medical device software development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C#/.NET, Java (core requirements). Python may be relevant for ML focus.

• Development Environments: Visual Studio is highly probable given C#/.NET focus.

• Source Control: Git (and platforms like GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps).

• Operating Systems: Windows Desktop Software development is primary, though experience with Linux or cloud environments is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Testing Frameworks: NUnit, xUnit, MSTest for C#; JUnit for Java. Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright for UI/web automation.

• CI/CD Tools: Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions.

• Monitoring & Logging: Depending on the specific application architecture, tools like ELK Stack, Prometheus, Grafana might be used.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how software integrates with laboratory information systems (LIS) or LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) would be advantageous.

• Automation: Focus on test automation, build automation, and deployment automation.

• Integration: Experience with APIs (RESTful, SOAP) for system integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack leans towards established Microsoft technologies (C#/.NET, Visual Studio, Windows) but also embraces modern practices like Git, CI/CD, and potentially AI tools. Candidates with experience in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) would also be valuable, especially for DevOps-focused roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Technology Values:

• Scientific Rigor & Quality: A commitment to precision, accuracy, and high standards in all aspects of software development, paramount in a regulated medical device context.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to enabling scientific discovery and improving health outcomes through reliable and user-friendly software solutions.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies (like AI/ML) and methodologies to enhance products and processes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and adhering strictly to regulatory requirements (e.g., IVDR).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with product management, QA, regulatory affairs, and other engineering teams is fundamental.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, concise, and constructive communication, especially when discussing complex technical or regulatory matters.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned, particularly across the specialized ML, UX, and DevOps/Test Automation areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, particularly within a regulated product division like microbiology, emphasizes precision, quality, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate an appreciation for structured processes and a proactive approach to teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and adhering to stringent regulations like IVDR for medical device software requires meticulous attention to detail and robust documentation.

• Legacy System Modernization: Balancing the need to maintain and enhance existing Windows desktop software with the integration of modern technologies and architectural patterns.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Effectively bridging the gap between core software engineering, specialized ML/UX/DevOps knowledge, and the specific domain of clinical microbiology.

• Adapting to Astorg Transition: Understanding and navigating the potential transition of employment from Thermo Fisher Scientific to Astorg, which may bring changes in systems, processes, or team structures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Machine Learning, User Experience design, or advanced DevOps and Test Automation practices through dedicated projects and internal training.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies within the life sciences and diagnostics sector.

• Regulatory Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of medical device software regulations (IVDR) and quality management systems.

• Global Career Path: Access to Thermo Fisher's extensive global network for potential future career advancements within other divisions or geographies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but also offer substantial growth. Successfully navigating regulatory requirements and contributing to the modernization of critical diagnostic software provides a unique and valuable skill set. The upcoming business transition adds an element of change management to consider.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex software project you worked on where quality and regulatory compliance were paramount. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and how did you ensure adherence to standards?" (Focus on process, quality, and compliance documentation).

• "How would you approach integrating a new Machine Learning model into an existing Windows desktop application, considering performance, reliability, and user experience?" (Tailor to ML focus, highlighting integration and user impact).

• "Walk us through your ideal DevOps pipeline for a regulated medical device software product. What tools and practices would you prioritize for automated testing and deployment?" (Tailor to DevOps focus, emphasizing automation and quality gates).

• "Imagine you need to improve the user workflow for a critical diagnostic task in our software. What steps would you take, from user research to UI implementation?" (Tailor to UX focus, showcasing user-centered design process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Thermo Fisher Scientific, particularly within our microbiology division, and what do you know about our mission to serve science?" (Research Thermo Fisher's mission, values, and recent news, including the Astorg acquisition).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional, international team, especially when working on products for a regulated industry?" (Highlight communication, teamwork, and adaptability).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in your area of expertise (ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation) and how do you apply this knowledge to improve development processes?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and proactive problem-solving). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure with Impact: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Solution -> Your Role -> Technologies Used -> Results/Impact (quantified where possible).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical aspects of your chosen projects, explaining design decisions and trade-offs.

• Process Focus: Emphasize the development lifecycle, testing methodologies, and any quality/compliance considerations you addressed.

• Tailor to Role: Highlight aspects of your portfolio that directly align with the specific focus area (ML, UX, or DevOps/Test Automation) you are applying for, and the regulated nature of the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of the regulated medical device context, a collaborative mindset, and a clear specialization in one of the key areas. Quantifiable results and a structured approach to problem-solving will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Software Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Thermo Fisher Scientific Careers portal, including your CV, a cover letter, and your salary request in English.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to specifically highlight your experience and achievements in either Machine Learning, User Experience, or DevOps and Test Automation, aligning them with the job description's requirements and the regulated nature of the products.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with C#/.NET or Java, your software engineering fundamentals, and any specific experience with medical device software, IVDR, or related quality processes. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), particularly for scenarios involving complex problem-solving, collaboration, and quality assurance. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Thermo Fisher Scientific, its mission, its product lines (especially in microbiology and diagnostics), and be aware of the announced divestiture of the microbiology business to Astorg. Understand the implications for your role and employment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. Given the announced sale of the microbiology business to Astorg, clarify employment transition details during the interview process.