Graduate Software Engineer

targetjobs UK; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Edinburgh is seeking graduates for their Engineering Graduate Programme in Software Development. The role involves creating robust code and working on real-world projects. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 degree in relevant fields. The position offers a competitive starting salary of £34,000, bonuses, and comprehensive employee benefits, including a generous pension scheme and health support services. Join and make an impact on innovative projects from day one.

Benefits

12 additional flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Free mental health support

Bonus scheme

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Up to £500 for flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic about software design and eager to work collaboratively.
• Relevant degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Electronic Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality and robust code within product development.
• Document and manage work products under configuration control.
• Work closely with various engineering teams on complex system integration.

Skills

Agile development

C++ programming

UML knowledge

Education

2:1 Bachelor's degree in relevant fields

MSc or PhD (desirable)

Job description

Job Description

Your impact

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real‑world projects from day one? At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something bigger—shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and as such we will also support you through your preferred route for professional development.

Responsibilities

Our Software Engineers have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the product development, from solution concept through to system integration. As a Software Engineer, you are responsible for creating high‑quality and robust code, fully documenting and recording your work products, keeping them under configuration management, and providing plans and reports on progress to your supervisor.

You will develop practical skills in design techniques for aerospace applications and an understanding of key processes and technologies. You will work closely with Software, Systems, Firmware, and Electronics Engineers to solve real integration problems on a complex system. There may be opportunities to contribute towards the investigation and analysis of leading‑edge development methodologies and influence the future path of software development within Leonardo.

Our 18‑month Engineering Graduate Programme

Our Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts. On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You'll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria. We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

What We Need From You

We are looking for graduates who are enthusiastic about Software design and eager to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. All of our roles require a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD. Relevant subjects include Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Electronic Engineering.

Highly Desirable Skills And Experience

• Experience of agile development
• Programming in an object‑oriented language such as C++
• Knowledge of UML (Unified Modelling Language)
• Summer or industrial placement experience relevant to your degree

A full statement of courses and projects studied at university and corresponding grades/marks/percentage should be included in your CV.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you with the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities, and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location

GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Onsite