Programme title: Software Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Bristol, Plymouth, Hawthorn or Oakhanger
Application closing date: 16 October 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 66852
What will you do on the programme?
The systems we design rely on high-performance software that works flawlessly, even in the most demanding conditions. On this programme, you’ll discover how to design, develop, and test software that can do exactly that.
Your work might focus on advanced technologies that support secure communications, intelligent sensing, or space-based operations – developing solutions that are critical to safety, resilience, and innovation.
How is the programme structured?
This two-year programme is designed to give you both breadth and depth in software engineering. You’ll work in our Mission Systems business gaining experience across different technologies and projects.
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 engineering.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised 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.
To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.
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, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
- 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?
- A BEng/BSc (Hons) degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science.
- Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Software Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Mission Systems business.
If you're interested in electronic systems, advanced manufacturing, and disruptive technologies, Mission Systems is where you’ll thrive. Based in Bristol, or at sites in Plymouth, Hawthorn or Oakhanger, you could be working on the design and delivery of advanced communications systems, electronic warfare capabilities, or supporting satellite operations for national defence. This is a hub for innovation, where engineers help shape the future of defence technology and support global clients across land, sea, air, and space.
While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage, where possible and appropriate, flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.