Software Development Graduate Programme
Programme title: Software Development Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74781
What will you do on the programme?
Joining our Digital Solutions team, you’ll help to deliver information management services and solutions that support the Royal Navy's complex maritime assets throughout their lifecycle.
On this programme, you'll learn how to design, develop and test software. Projects can include developing, enhancing and quality assuring Royal Navy IT applications and workflows using a range of technology stacks. This might include designing and developing user interfaces, APIs, workflows and databases.
You may also have opportunities to work with colleagues across our Business Analysis, Data and Infrastructure teams, helping you develop a broader understanding of the software development lifecycle and operating model.
Whatever you're working on, you'll be part of a cross-functional team, learning how software interacts with wider systems while building your skills across different technologies and testing disciplines.
How is the programme structured?
This two-year programme is designed to give you both breadth and depth in software development and testing.
You will have the opportunity to rotate across different development and testing teams, gaining broad exposure to different technologies and ways of working while helping you identify the areas best suited to your skills and interests.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have a solid technical foundation, practical experience and the skills needed for a successful career in software development and testing.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
What’s waiting for you after the programme?
Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Software Development and Test function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you've developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress through further training, supporting your development into more advanced roles such as Senior Developer or Senior Tester.
From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
What rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
- You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM subject.
- A genuine interest in software development and technology.
- An understanding of core software development concepts, such as
- Software Development lifecycle
- Agile ways of working
- Programming fundamentals
- Source Control
- Debugging and problem solving
- Code quality and peer reviews
- Frontend, Databases and APIs
- Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels.
- Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
Where will you be based?
Our Software Development Graduate Programme for September 2027 is based in our Nuclear sector in Bristol.
We offer agile working, giving you some flexibility, but you can expect to spend several days a week on-site as part of your role and development. Occasional travel to other company sites may also be required.
Our business in Bristol is a key strategic partner to our customers — the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy. We ensure that the UK Royal Navy goes to sea safely by sustaining the submarines with updates, design and documentation, upgrades and overhauls. We are developing innovative Operations Centres, technology insertion programmes, predictive data analytics and visualisation and training aids using games engine technologies.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.