Software Development Graduate Programme

weServed; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension and employee share schemes

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing support and EAP

Job summary

Babcock invites applications for its Software Development Graduate Programme in Bristol. The two-year scheme rotates across development and testing, helping you deliver information management services for the Royal Navy and learn to design, develop and test software using a range of stacks, interfaces, APIs and databases.

You will receive structured support, mentorship and masterclasses, progressing into permanent roles such as Senior Developer or Senior Tester, with clear pathways under the

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or related STEM field.
• Genuine interest in software development and technology.
• Understanding of core software development concepts: SDLC, Agile, programming fundamentals, source control, debugging, code quality, frontend, databases and APIs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and test software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across lifecycle.
• Deliver and quality assure Royal Navy IT applications and workflows.
• Learn and apply various technology stacks and testing disciplines.

Skills

Software development

Programming fundamentals

Source Control

Debugging

Frontend

Databases

APIs

Agile

Education

BEng/BSc in Computer Science or Mathematics

Tools

Git

Job description

Software Development Graduate Programme

Programme title: Software Development Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol

Application closing date: 20 October 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74781

What will you do on the programme?

Joining our Digital Solutions team, you’ll help to deliver information management services and solutions that support the Royal Navy's complex maritime assets throughout their lifecycle.

On this programme, you'll learn how to design, develop and test software. Projects can include developing, enhancing and quality assuring Royal Navy IT applications and workflows using a range of technology stacks. This might include designing and developing user interfaces, APIs, workflows and databases.

You may also have opportunities to work with colleagues across our Business Analysis, Data and Infrastructure teams, helping you develop a broader understanding of the software development lifecycle and operating model.

Whatever you're working on, you'll be part of a cross-functional team, learning how software interacts with wider systems while building your skills across different technologies and testing disciplines.

How is the programme structured?

This two-year programme is designed to give you both breadth and depth in software development and testing.

You will have the opportunity to rotate across different development and testing teams, gaining broad exposure to different technologies and ways of working while helping you identify the areas best suited to your skills and interests.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a solid technical foundation, practical experience and the skills needed for a successful career in software development and testing.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Software Development and Test function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you've developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress through further training, supporting your development into more advanced roles such as Senior Developer or Senior Tester.

From there, your developmentdoesn’tstop.We’llsupport you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework,you’llhave a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, developmentopportunitiesand the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

• You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM subject.
• A genuine interest in software development and technology.
• An understanding of core software development concepts, such as
  • Software Development lifecycle
  • Agile ways of working
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Source Control
  • Debugging and problem solving
  • Code quality and peer reviews
  • Frontend, Databases and APIs
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels.
• Under applicablenationalsecurity legislation, this post may only be occupied by asole UKnational. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Where will you be based?

Our Software Development Graduate Programme for September 2027 is based in our Nuclear sector in Bristol.

We offer agile working, giving you some flexibility, but you can expect to spend several days a week on-site as part of your role and development. Occasional travel to other company sites may also be required.

Our business in Bristol is a key strategic partner to our customers — the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy. We ensure that the UK Royal Navy goes to sea safely by sustaining the submarines with updates, design and documentation, upgrades and overhauls. We are developing innovative Operations Centres, technology insertion programmes, predictive data analytics and visualisation and training aids using games engine technologies.