Graduate Software Engineer - Defence & Security (2027 start)

Cambridge Consultants; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants is seeking bright graduates to join the Software and Electronics Department, tackling software across consumer, energy, industrial, and defence sectors. You’ll work with experienced engineers to design, develop and debug software ranging from web apps to embedded systems.

You will also collaborate on research projects and STEM outreach with schools, with opportunities on satellite communications, robotics, wearables and 5G-related challenges.

Qualifications

• You are a high-achieving graduate in a STEM discipline with strong academic track record and genuine interest in software development.
• You have practical programming experience in at least one of: C, C++, Python or Rust demonstrated through projects, coursework, or personal work.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and debug software of all descriptions, from web applications to embedded software, and discuss with colleagues and clients.
• Collaborate on research projects and participate in STEM outreach activities with schools.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Rust

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Introduction

We’re seeking bright, curious graduates who are passionate about software and excited by how technology can solve real problems. Join our Software and Electronics Department and contribute to projects spanning the consumer, energy, industrial, and defence & security sectors.
You’ll get hands-on experience with a range of technologies aligned to your skills and interests, helping to tackle and solve real challenges for our clients.

Successful candidates can join us between May – October 2027

There is no deadline for this role, as we recruit on a rolling basis. Once the position is filled, we will close the advert. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

What you’ll be doing

Day to day you will be working in a team with colleagues and clients, learning from experienced engineers to design, develop and debug software of all descriptions. This may range from web applications to embedded software, protocols and machine control.You will also have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects and participate in STEM outreach activities with schools.

You could be working on projects like:

• Satellite communications–used in humanitarian relief efforts, wildlife conservation and more
• Wireless control of high-speed warehouse robots
• Robotics – autonomous navigation in crowded environments
• Cutting-edge wearables and audio devices
• Beam 5G from the stratosphere with the world’s largest commercial airborne antenna

Unfortunately, we can’t talk about some of our clients until you join us, but you could be developing the next breakthrough product for brands you use every day.

What you can bring

• You are a high-achieving graduate (or soon-to-be graduate) in a STEM discipline, with a strong academic track record and a genuine interest in software development.
• You have practical programming experience in at least one of: C, C++, Python or Rust demonstrated through projects, coursework, or personal work that shows your curiosity and capability.
• You have a solid foundation in core software engineering practices, including problem-solving, structured thinking, and an understanding of how high-quality software is designed and built.
• You have knowledge of and a willingness to learn new programming languages, tools, and technologies, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for learning and solving interesting problems.

Some projects at Cambridge Consultants are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to obtain a Security Check (SC) level security clearance ( United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant ). You must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria.

Please be aware that, for roles requiring Security Check clearance, applicants will typically need to have been continuously resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to applying for this role in order to meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance.

Along with your CV, please describe why you are attracted to this position, what you feel you offer Cambridge Consultants, and any achievements that you are particularly proud of. We are especially interested to hear about any software, electronics or engineering projects you have done, for a hobby, for work or for university.

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.