Software Engineer - ENG

Are you a software developer who looks beyond a single programming language or technology? Do you thrive on complex technical challenges, learning, and improving existing software? Then this is a role where you can truly make an impact.

The role

The core of this role is modernizing the software portfolio. Ridder has a large portfolio consisting of more than 40 software components, developed in various programming languages. Some of the existing software needs to be maintained and further developed, while other components will gradually be phased out and replaced by new, future-proof products.

You will work on both sides of this transition: understanding what is running today while helping to build what will replace it.

The software is used to control hardware in horticulture. In a greenhouse, various technical systems come together, such as weather stations, sensors, and water purification systems. These systems support complex processes designed to create optimal conditions for different plants and flowers.

This means you will work at the intersection of software and OT, dealing with a wide range of technical challenges. In addition to software development, you will work on resolving existing bottlenecks and initiating process improvements.

You will join a team of approximately 15 professionals, including developers and architects.

About Ridder & MetoMotion

At Ridder, we work with our customers every day to contribute to a sustainable agri-food sector. As an international player in the horticulture industry, we develop technical solutions that contribute to more sustainable food and flower production. With more than 350 colleagues, we build long-term partnerships and innovative solutions for the international horticulture sector.

Ridder is in the midst of an important transition: from a product organization to a software organization. Software is increasingly becoming the core product. As a Software Developer, you will play an important role in this development.

Candidate profile

For this role, we are explicitly not looking only for the classic candidate profile. Raw intelligence, learning ability, and courage weigh more heavily than a completed degree or a certain number of years of experience.

We are looking for someone with demonstrable university-level working and thinking ability. How you got there is less important to us. A completed university degree is therefore not a hard requirement. Someone who reached this level through a different route, for example via vocational secondary education, intermediate vocational education and higher professional education, or someone who stopped a degree and subsequently continued developing themselves, may actually demonstrate the learning ability and initiative we are looking for.

We therefore focus on what someone has actually done. Personal projects, relevant part-time jobs, open-source contributions, or other initiatives alongside studies or work are relevant. We are looking for people who are intrinsically motivated to learn, take initiative, and are willing to roll up their sleeves.

Technical background

We are looking for language-agnostic developers. The portfolio consists of more than 40 components written in various languages, including C++, Delphi/Pascal, Python, Native React, Java, and C#.

You obviously do not need to master all of these languages. More important is that you can quickly learn new languages and technologies and understand that every language has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the technical challenge determines the most pragmatic solution.

Experience with one or more of the languages mentioned above is a plus. A willingness to work with existing code is a must. You should also be genuinely interested in developing your knowledge of Delphi/Pascal.

What we value

• Demonstrable university-level working and thinking ability
• A completed degree is not a hard requirement
• Preferably a background in Computer Science, Technical Computer Science, or a similar field
• No hard requirement regarding the number of years of professional experience
• Learning ability and demonstrable results matter more than years of service
• Experience with C++, Delphi/Pascal, Python, Native React, Java, or C# is a plus
• Willingness to work with existing code and learn new technologies
• Affinity with horticulture, climate and water technology, IoT, embedded systems, or industrial automation
• Interest in the combination of software and OT
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
• You take initiative and are willing to roll up your sleeves
• You want to develop yourself within the organization for the long term
• Willingness to document and share knowledge
• English-speaking candidates are welcome, provided they are from the EU
• Available for at least 32 hours per week, preferably 40 hours

What we offer

• A salary of €3,400 to €6,500 per month, depending on your level and experience
• An initial 12-month contract
• 25 vacation days
• 4 ADV days
• A good pension scheme
• A profit-sharing scheme, potentially 5% + 5%
• For a full-time position, the option to work from home 2 days per week
• Working in a team of approximately 15 professionals, including developers and architects
• The opportunity to make a significant contribution to Ridder’s transition into a software organization