Jobs at Xara

About Xara | Location Map | Gaddesden Place

Xara is recruiting again. We are a relatively small company with a focused and dedicated team of people who know that we are the best at what we do. The following opportunities are currently available:

C++ Software Developers
Senior C++ Software Developers

System Administrator

Package:	Salary dependent on experience, plus benefits including Company pension contributions & private medical insurance (BUPA).
Location:	Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK.
Requirements: Candidates should have experience of the following:-
	Linux System Administration Windows System Administration Network Administration (tcp/ip, DHCP, DNS, iptables, ipsec) SQL Shell Scripting
Candidates must also possess the following attributes:-
	An IT or Science Degree Have a positive attitude to work, with the ability to learn quickly Good trouble-shooting skills with the perseverance to solve problems A committed individual, willing to provide some out of hours cover as required by the nature of the role A willingness to be flexible and to take on a variety of different tasks and technologies in a small company environment
The following skills are highly desirable, but not essential. The successful candidate is likely to gain exposure to most of these technologies in this role:-
	Internet software development experience (ASP, ASP.NET) Shell Scripting Microsoft SQL Server MySQL PHP Nagios Subversion Postfix Microsoft IIS 5 Microsoft Exchange Windows desktop support Active directory Perl Windows development experience with knowledge of the Win32 API Experience with MFC, COM, XML/XSL, .NET. Graphics application development experience Knowledge of graphical formats (HTML, PDF, SVG, XPS, EPS, AI, bitmap formats, etc.) Linux development experience C++

Position:

This is an exciting opportunity for a system administrator, or perhaps a high caliber graduate with a desire to embark on a system administrator or software development career, to take responsibility for managing Xara’s network infrastructure, servers and desktop computers. The successful candidate will be given a degree of freedom to run the network and systems as they see fit and will be expected to influence future technology choices for Xara’s in-house systems.

Some responsibility for supporting Xara’s live customer services is also included, though the extent of this responsibility will depend on the experience of the chosen candidate. As well as providing Xara Xtreme, one of the slickest and most respected drawing and illustration tools in the world, Xara also provide online services direct to the web sites of many customers – see www.xaraonline.com. Xara software is used by millions of people the world over.

This role is particularly suited to candidates who have an interest in software development work, in addition to system administration duties.

If you have the right skills and the determination to succeed, this is your chance to join the technical team at Xara.

Applying

C++ Software Developers

Package:	Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus benefits including Company pension contributions & private medical insurance (BUPA). (some benefits may not be available outside the UK)
Location:	Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. (Or Dresden or Berlin in Germany)
Requirements: Candidates must possess the following attributes:-
	An IT or Science Degree At least 2 years solid C++ experience, ideally on the Windows platform A desire to work on world-leading graphics software products Have a positive attitude to work, with the ability to learn quickly Good trouble-shooting skills with the perseverance to solve problems Take pride in the quality of their work with good attention to detail A committed individual, who treats their work as more than just a job Able to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team A willingness to be flexible and to take on a variety of different tasks in a small company environment
Highly desirable:-
	Windows development experience with a good knowledge of the Win32 API Experience of vector graphics applications Experience with MFC, COM, XML/XSL, .NET. Graphics application development experience Knowledge of graphical formats (HTML, PDF, SVG, XPS, EPS, AI, bitmap formats, etc.) Mac development experience Linux development experience OO analysis & design knowledge Knowledge of Xara’s products or of similar products
Desirable attributes, but not essential:-
	SQL, SQL Server, JavaScript, Scripting. Internet software development experience (ASP, ASP.NET) Knowledge of Xara’s products or of similar products

Position:

This is an exciting opportunity to work on development of Xara Xtreme, one of the slickest and most respected drawing and illustration tools in the world. Xtreme is used by thousands of talented artists and graphic designers worldwide, thirsty for more features and improvements. Xara software is used by millions of people the world over.

Xara are looking for more programmers to join the Xtreme development team. Successful Developer candidates must have strong C++ skills, normally with a background in Windows software development, ideally with a good knowledge of MFC. However we’ll also consider Linux or Mac developers with very strong C++ skills especially if they have particularly relevant graphical application development experience.

These developers will be expected to help take the application forward, contributing not only to the code development, but also to the design and user interface decisions that are crucial to the continued success of the product. The right person will be a productive, quality-conscious individual who takes a keen interest in the product itself and in software development generally. Experience of working on similar graphical systems would be a big advantage.

If you have the right skills and the determination to succeed, this is your chance to work on one of the world's leading edge graphics products.

To find out more about Xara Xtreme, click here.

Applying

C++ Mac Software Developers – all levels

Package:	Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus benefits including Company pension contributions & private medical insurance (BUPA). (some benefits may not be available outside the UK)
Location:	Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. (Or Dresden or Berlin in Germany).
Requirements: Candidates must possess the following attributes:-
	An IT or Science Degree Excellent C++ knowledge and experience At least 1 years C++ development experience on the Mac platform Experience of development using at least one of these technologies on the Mac; Cocoa; Carbon; wxWidgets Take pride in the quality of their work with good attention to detail Have a positive attitude to work, with the ability to learn quickl A desire to work on world-leading graphics software products Good trouble-shooting skills with the perseverance to solve problems A committed individual, who treats their work as more than just a job Able to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team
Highly desirable:-
	Objective C Windows development experience with a good knowledge of the Win32 API Experience of vector graphics applications Experience with MFC, COM, XML/XSL, .NET. Graphics application development experience Knowledge of graphical formats (HTML, PDF, SVG, XPS, EPS, AI, bitmap formats, etc.) OO analysis & design knowledge
Desirable attributes, but not essential:-
	Linux development experience SQL, SQL Server, JavaScript, Scripting Internet software development experience (ASP, ASP.NET) Knowledge of Xara’s products or of similar products

Position:

This is an exciting opportunity to work on development of Xara Xtreme on the Mac, one of the slickest and most respected drawing and illustration tools in the world. Xtreme is already used on Windows by thousands of talented artists and graphic designers worldwide.

Xara are looking for Mac programmers to join the Xtreme development team. Successful candidates must have strong C++ skills, with a background in Mac software development. The right person will be a productive, quality-conscious individual who takes a keen interest in the product itself, in the Mac platform and in software development generally. Experience of working on similar graphical systems would be a big advantage.

If you have the right skills and the determination to succeed, this is your chance to work on one of the world's leading edge graphics products.

To find out more about Xara Xtreme, click here.

Applying

Senior C++ Software Developers

Package:	Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus benefits including Company pension contributions & private medical insurance (BUPA). (some benefits may not be available outside the UK)
Location:	Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. (Or Dresden or Berlin in Germany) However for strong candidates who are particularly suitable for this role, we’ll also consider other locations in the world, including home working.
Requirements: Candidates must possess the following attributes:-
	An IT or Science Degree At least 3 years solid C++ experience, ideally on the Windows platform A desire to work on world-leading graphics software products Have a positive attitude to work, with the ability to learn quickly Good trouble-shooting skills with the perseverance to solve problems Take pride in the quality of their work with good attention to detail A committed individual, who treats their work as more than just a job Able to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team
Highly desirable:-
	Windows development experience with a good knowledge of the Win32 API Experience of vector graphics applications Experience with MFC, COM, XML/XSL, .NET. Graphics application development experience Knowledge of graphical formats (HTML, PDF, SVG, XPS, EPS, AI, bitmap formats, etc.) Mac development experience Linux development experience OO analysis & design knowledge Experience of managing other developers or small teams
Desirable attributes, but not essential:-
	SQL, SQL Server, JavaScript, Scripting. Internet software development experience (ASP, ASP.NET) Knowledge of Xara’s products or of similar products

Position:

This is an exciting opportunity to work on development of Xara Xtreme, one of the slickest and most respected drawing and illustration tools in the world. Xtreme is used by thousands of talented artists and graphic designers worldwide, thirsty for more features and improvements. Xara software is used by millions of people the world over.

Xara are looking for more programmers to join the Xtreme development team. Successful Senior Developer candidates must have strong C++ skills, normally with a background in Windows software development, ideally with a good knowledge of MFC. However we’ll also consider Linux or Mac developers with very strong C++ skills especially if they have particularly relevant graphical application development experience.

These developers will be expected to help take the application forward, contributing not only to the code development, but also to the design and user interface decisions that are crucial to the continued success of the product. The right person will be a productive, quality-conscious individual who takes a keen interest in the product itself and in software development generally. Experience of working on similar graphical systems would be a big advantage.

If you have the right skills and the determination to succeed, this is your chance to work on one of the world's leading edge graphics products.

To find out more about Xara Xtreme, click here.

Applying

Graphic Designer

Package:	Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus benefits including Company pension contributions & private medical insurance (BUPA).
Location:	Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK.
Requirements: Candidates must possess the following attributes:-
	A strong portfolio of print and/or web design In depth knowledge of Adobe Illustrator (We only use Xara products for ALL graphic design, but our goal is to better understand Adobe products) A desire to work with Xara's world-leading graphics software products (Windows) Have a positive attitude to work, with the ability to learn quickly Take pride in the quality of their work with good attention to detail A committed individual, who treats their work as more than just a job Able to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team
Highly desirable:-
	Experience with dealing with production issues andliaising with printers and packaging suppliers Experience of using PDF and/or PDF/X for production printing A good understanding of CMYK colour models and print processes A good working knowledge of a range of graphics software such as Photoshop and CorelDRAW, Acrobat and Pitstop

Position:

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a designer for a company that develops and sells leading edge graphics products including Xara Xtreme, one of the slickest and most respected drawing and illustration tools in the world. A company where design is critical to the continued success of the products, and that offers the opportunity of having significant input into the future development of the software itself.

Work will include the creation of graphics that are included with the products such as example illustrations and templates; product user interface; website graphics; design of the monthly newsletter; product packaging and marketing material; liaison with printers and packaging suppliers. Additionally you will be expected to provide feedback on products in development from a designers point of view.

You will work alongside another internal designer and webmaster and so working as part of a team is important.

The right person will be a productive, quality-conscious individual who takes a keen interest in the product itself and in design generally.

To find out more about Xara Xtreme, click here.

Applying

Office Location & Environment:

Xara is headquartered in the historic house, Gaddesden Place, north of London, which is where we’d like these positions to be based.

About Xara:

One of the oldest UK software developers, Xara has been developing software since 1981.

From Wordwise, one of the earliest microcomputer word processors, to Xara Xtreme, the world's fastest, and many believe the world's best drawing and illustration software, Xara has developed a wide range of products covering the whole realm of publishing software. Xara has pioneered many technologies taken for granted nowadays. From developing the world's first check-as-you-type spell checker, to award winning desk-top-publishing software, to the first drawing software to provide real-time anti-aliasing and transparency control, Xara continues to innovate and develop leading edge technical solutions.

Xara has been involved in the Internet from the very beginning. Xara Networks, a subsidiary of the Xara Group, was a pioneer Internet provider in the mid 1990s (and today is GX Networks, no longer part of the Xara group). Xara does most of its business via the Internet and has millions of online customers, worldwide.

In January 2007 Xara was acquired by German company MAGIX AG (see here), but will continue to operate as a separate company in the UK as a subsidiary of MAGIX AG. Xara will focus on improving Xara Xtreme, the world's fastest most versatile graphics package.

Applying

If you're interested in joining the Xara team, please complete the form below:

Important: For designer roles, please include a link to an online portfolio or example illustrations with your CV.