Software Developer Graduate Scheme

targetjobs UK; Rocester; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is offering a Software Developer Graduate Scheme starting in September 2026 for recent graduates. This 18-month program involves two six-month placements focusing on developing embedded software for JCB machines. Candidates with a 2:1 degree in a relevant field and knowledge of C/C++ are encouraged to apply. The role provides opportunities for professional growth, including a competitive salary and extensive benefits such as a pension scheme and onsite gym.

Benefits

33 days' holiday

Stakeholder pension scheme

Private Medical scheme with Bupa

Access to onsite gym

Cycle to Work Scheme

Professional outdoor development programme

Qualifications

• Recent graduates with at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject.
• Familiarity with C-based programming, Qt, MATLAB, and Simulink is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software for JCB machines across various business areas.
• Work on projects involving high-performance displays and control system algorithms.

Skills

C-based or C++ literacy

Qt literacy

Knowledge of MATLAB & Simulink

Education

Graduated in the last two years with at least a 2:1

Subject involving Software Development (e.g., Software Development, Computer Science)

Job description

Salary Circa £30,000

Contract Type Full Time

Working Pattern Permanent

Hours 39.0

The Opportunity - Software Developer Graduate Scheme

Start Date September 2026, typically for 18 months

Starting Salary Circa £30,000

Minimum Entry Criteria You’ll need to have graduated in the last two years with at least a 2:1 in a subject involving an element of Software Development such as Electrical Engineering, Electronics, ENE, Software Development, Computer Science. We’re also looking for C-based or C++ literacy or Qt literacy and knowledge of MATLAB & Simulink.

Unfortunately, JCB is unable to offer visa sponsorship or immigration support for its Early Careers Schemes, either now or in the future. This includes individuals currently on sponsored visas.

What does a Software Developer Graduate Scheme involve day to day?

Our scheme is your opportunity to put your degree-level learning into practice. You’ll do that over the course of two six‑month placements that you’ll spend in different areas of the business developing the embedded software used in all JCB machines across our extensive portfolio, as well as manufacturing processes that will run on ECUs, embedded Linux touchscreen displays and PCs. After a year of intensive learning in Embedded Software Development, it’ll be time for your three‑month commercial placement which could see you spending time in any other area of our business and is all about deepening your understanding of JCB. Three further months of supported learning in your full‑time role and we’ll hand you the reins.

You could find yourself working on high‑performance displays, developing the interface between the user and machine systems as well as infotainment. Or you could find yourself developing control system algorithms for industry‑leading technology such as Hydrogen, Electrification and Automation.

What comes next?

• We’ll be reviewing applications against the essential criteria then shortlisting and sending out links to our online assessments in November 2025 - January 2026 (we’d recommend you keep a look out for emails at this point as you’ll hear from us either way).
• Once you’ve fully completed your online assessment, we’ll review it and provide you with an update within a few weeks. Please note, if you’ve not completed your online assessment then we won’t take your application further (we’ll send you a few reminders to make sure you don’t forget). If you’ve been progressed, you’ll be sent an invite to attend one of our in‑person Assessment Centres.
• In‑person Assessment Centres will take place from January to April 2026 (we’ll send you all the details you need).
• Following your Assessment Centre, whether you’ve been successful or not, our promise to you is that you’ll receive a call with feedback.
• If successful, congratulations! We’ll now take you through the onboarding process, which will include a familiarisation day.

Welcome to JCB – our Early Careers cohorts ordinarily start in early September.

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to join a company that’s not only picking up awards for its Early Careers schemes but also opens up opportunities for the long term. On a JCB Early Careers Scheme you’ll join a company that’s known for developing its people, and somewhere that offers a career for life. As standard, you’ll get 33 days’ holiday, and access to our stakeholder pension scheme, you can also opt into our Private Medical scheme with Bupa. Not only that, but you’ll also benefit from access to our onsite gym, in‑house doctor and dentist. There’s also a JCB Rewards Hub, which gives you discounts at many high street fashion and food retailers. And if you feel like biking to work? There’s our Cycle to Work Scheme. As part of your scheme, you’ll be involved in a professional outdoor development programme in the Lake District. We also encourage our cohorts to network and get involved in our “NextGen” society.

We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We’re committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair and inclusive. If you face any accessibility challenges with your online application and require additional support, you have the option of speaking to a member of our Resourcing team who can support you to complete an application in an alternative format.