Placement Technologist (Belfast) - June 2027 Start Date

Kainos; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos in Northern Ireland invites undergraduates in their second year to join a 12-month fixed-term Trainee Technologist placement, starting in the summer and part of a sandwich year at Level 6. The program provides real-world industry experience and eligibility is limited to students meeting the criteria.

You will begin with our AI-first Technologist Academy, then join the Early Careers Programme to gain hands-on experience across software engineering, QA, data & AI, low-code platforms, cloud,

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we are problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we are transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you will be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

SALARY

£22,750 - £25,750

Placement / Trainee Technologist

Job Profile Description

WHAT IS A PLACEMENT?

Eligibility: Our Placement Programme is designed for undergraduate students who are in their second year of study and will be entering their third year. This 12-month fixed-term contract begins in the summer and is part of a sandwich year Placement at Level 6. It provides invaluable real-world industry experience. Please note that we can only consider applications from candidates who meet these criteria.

Purpose: The Placement aims to offer undergraduates a full year of industry experience between their second and final years of study, running from summer to summer. This opportunity allows students to apply classroom theory in a practical setting and gain valuable hands-on experience.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS

As a Placement/Trainee Technologist with Kainos, you will work on projects that make a real difference to people's lives – including the lives of people you know.

You will start your journey with our AI-first Technologist Academy, where you will build strong foundations in modern engineering practices, cloud platforms, quality assurance, low-code development, cyber security and data & AI.

After the academy, you will join our Early Careers Programme where you will gain hands-on experience across different roles, supported by experienced mentors and real project work. You will also continue to develop your technical, professional and business skills during this time.

At Kainos, we operate in a fast-moving, dynamic environment, so adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are key. You will have the opportunity to work across different teams, projects, and business units, developing the skills to become one of our future technical leaders.

What You’ll Experience

Software Engineering

You will learn to design, build, and maintain high-quality software solutions using modern programming languages and frameworks. Expect to work on scalable, secure applications that deliver real value to users.

Test / QA Engineering

You will develop skills in automated and manual testing, ensuring the quality and reliability of our solutions. You will learn how to embed quality into every stage of the development lifecycle.

Data & AI

You will explore how data and AI can transform services, from building data pipelines to applying machine learning and generative AI to solve real-world problems.

Low Code

You will use low-code platforms to rapidly deliver business solutions, learning how to combine speed with maintainability and integration best practices.

Platforms

You will gain experience in cloud infrastructure, DevOps, and automation, ensuring our solutions are secure, scalable, and performant.

Cyber Security

You will learn how to build systems that are protected against the latest Cyber & AI security threats. You will learn the techniques attackers use to compromise applications and to defend against them.

Upon Completion

You will graduate from the Early Careers Programme with a broad technical foundation and the skills to shape our future. Many of our leaders started their careers this way.

You Will Be Responsible For

• Contributing to technology solutions that deliver measurable value for customers and users.
• Contributing to the specification, validation, implementation and operation of technology solutions, gradually taking ownership of more complex work as your capability develops.
• Collaborating with team members to understand problems, define requirements, challenge assumptions and contribute to solution design and delivery.
• Learning to use AI-assisted tools responsibly to improve quality, productivity and confidence, while maintaining accountability for delivery outcomes.
• Developing breadth across multiple delivery disciplines, including software engineering, quality assurance, platforms, data, cyber security and low-code technologies, while building deeper expertise over time.
• Seeking feedback and continuously improving your knowledge and skills.

Minimum Essential Requirements

• Currently studying towards, at least a Level 6 bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.
• Must have unconditional right to work in the UK and be eligible for UK Security Clearance (for further details, see FAQS on website).
• Familiarity with one or more technology domains, such as software development, data, testing, cloud platforms, cyber security or low-code technologies, gained through study, projects or practical experience.
• An understanding of how technology solutions are designed, built, tested, deployed and supported, and awareness of the different activities required throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies, tools and ways of working, including AI-assisted delivery approaches.
• The ability to analyse problems, challenge assumptions, identify key information and work with others to develop effective solutions.
• Experience using AI-assisted tools to support learning, creativity or problem-solving.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, adapting your style when working with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, seek feedback, share knowledge and contribute positively to collective outcomes.
• Exposure to source control, continuous integration, data processing, cyber security practices or cloud platforms.

Desirable

• Participation in technology-related activities such as hackathons, competitions, clubs, community initiatives or open-source projects.

Things To Know Before Applying

Working Arrangements

Upon joining, you will be expected to work in your contracted office for 5 days per week for the duration of the AI-First Technologist Academy. After which, you will work in a hybrid model with 3 office days each week to support your learning and development with your team. Ensuring you are available to attend the office or client sites when required to do so.

Travel expectations

At Kainos, we work with a diverse range of clients, and some of our projects require travel. If travel were required, we will endeavour to keep this to a minimum and ensure sufficient notice is provided.

Popularity of scheme

We are looking forward to receiving and reviewing your application. We strongly encourage you to apply early. If a high number of applications are received, this role may close earlier than the advertised deadline. In cases where a large volume of applications is received, the recruitment team will apply enhanced criteria to refine the shortlisting process.

Completing your application

Please note that the application process is two parts, completing a questionnaire and uploading your CV. It is essential that you complete the questionnaire in full, to the best of your ability. We recommend avoiding the LinkedIn quick apply function, as it may alter the format of your CV and exclude important details. Instead, please apply directly via the Kainos Careers website: Your Kainos story starts here.

Once the role closes, the Job Description will no longer be accessible. We recommend saving a copy in advance.

TIMELINES*

Closing Date – Friday 23rd October 2026

Assessment Centre – W/C Monday 16th – Wednesday 25th November 2026

Outcomes Communicated – W/C Monday 30th November 2026

Start Date – June 2027

• Dates are subject to change due to business needs

While we use innovative technology to help make our recruitment process efficient and accessible, AI doesn't make hiring decisions. Every application is reviewed by our team, and you'll get to know us by name as we guide you through each stage of your Early Careers journey.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Kainos Early Careers Talent Acquisition Team: [e-mail]

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.