Graduate Test Software Engineer

Leonardo; Newcastle; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to recharge: up to 12 flexi-days/

Pension up to 15% employer contrib

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Private healthcare

Mental health support

bonus scheme

Inclusive, diverse workplace

Job summary

Leonardo is launching an 18-month Graduate Programme in the UK. It offers a starting salary of £34,000 per annum plus a £1,000 welcome bonus, with an exit bonus of £1,000 on completion and potential Temporary Accommodation Allowance based on criteria.

The role emphasizes hands‑on software for test solutions and integration with hardware and firmware teams. The programme blends on‑site work with structured training.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 Bachelor’s or integrated Master’s degree or higher (MSc/PhD).
• Disciplines include Security, Computer Communication & Networks, Cyber Security.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for test solutions across a varied product portfolio.
• Explore all stages of the development lifecycle from requirements to delivery.
• Build experience by working on real development and production test solutions.
• Develop capability through on‑the‑job learning and formal training.

Skills

Software development

Test automation

Lifecycle knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in relevant field

Discipline: Security, Networks, Cyber Security

Tools

N/A

Job description

Job Description:

Your impact

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?

AtLeonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something extraordinary — 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.

Our 18-month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside industry leaders.

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.

During the programme, you will

• Develop the skills required to create software for test solutions, across a varied product portfolio.


• Explore all stages of the development lifecycle, requirements definition through to implementation, integration test and delivery.


• Build practical experience by working on real development and production test solutions delivered to internal and external customers.


• Enhance your technical capability through a combination of on-the-job learning and formal training, aligned to business needs and your career aspirations.

As a Graduate Test Software Engineer, you will

• Gain experience across the full software design lifecycle, from requirements analysis; through design, coding and unit test; to integrating the software with the hardware target; and lastly to acceptance test and delivery to the customer.


• Contribute to the creation of high quality and robust code; documenting and recording your work products; keeping them under configuration management and providing plans and reports on progress.


• Develop an understanding of complex products through close collaboration with Hardware and Firmware engineers to solve real integration problems on test systems.


• Have opportunities to taking an active role in engineering process improvement.


• Develop software solutions to control measurement instrumentation devices and fully automate testing of a unit under test.

What you’ll bring

Entry Requirements:

• A minimum of a 2:2 Bachelor’s/Integrated Master’s degree, or higher degree, such as MSc or PhD.


• For this role, acceptable degree disciplines include:

Security, Computer Communication and Networks, Computer & Network Technology & Cyber Security.

Security Clearance

Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual’s background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.

For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• 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


• Rewarding performance : All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.


• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you 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.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

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.

Primary Location:

GB - Edinburgh

Additional Locations:

GB - Newcastle

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hybrid Working:

Hybrid