Software Engineering Graduate Programme

targetjobs UK; Oakhanger; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is offering a Graduate Programme in Software Engineering starting in Autumn 2026. This two-year programme provides hands-on experience in software development while receiving structured support and mentorship. Graduates will earn a minimum starting salary of £35,000 and enjoy 25 days of holiday along with various benefits. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc (Hons) degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science and meet security clearance requirements.

Benefits

Minimum starting salary of £35,000

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension and employee share schemes

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Interest in developing robust user interfaces and digital systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test high-performance software.
• Participate in the Graduate Development Programme with mentorship.

Skills

Software Engineering

Computer Science

Education

BEng/BSc (Hons) degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Overview

The systems we design rely on high-performance software that works flawlessly, even in the most demanding conditions. On this programme, you’ll discover how to design, develop, and test software that can do exactly that. Projects can vary widely – from something as focused as an audio console, to something as large-scale as the software for a handling system on a submarine. You could be developing cutting-edge software that brings complex engineering systems to life, including designing intuitive user interfaces, building platforms for remote monitoring and control, or applying AI and machine learning to enhance performance and anticipate maintenance needs. Alternatively, your work might focus on advanced technologies that support secure communications, intelligent sensing, or space-based operations – developing solutions that are critical to safety, resilience, and innovation. You’ll be part of a multi-disciplinary team, learning how software interacts with wider systems and building the skills to deliver secure, reliable, and fully integrated solutions.

How is the programme structured?

This two-year programme is designed to give you both breadth and depth in software engineering. You could work in our Liquid Gas Equipment (LGE) business or in Mission Systems to gain experience across different technologies and projects. 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 engineering.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised 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. To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

Rewards and benefits

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, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Adaptable 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 you need to apply

• A BEng/BSc (Hons) degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science.
• Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Software Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our LGE business in Rosyth and in our Mission Systems business. While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage, where possible and appropriate, adaptability and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Not sure which business area to apply for? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Drawn to creating robust user interfaces and pioneering digital systems? Our LGE business in Rosyth, Scotland, delivers world-class, environmentally-focused cargo handling and fuel gas solutions – and could be your ideal fit.
• Fascinated by electronics, advanced technologies, or space and satellite systems? Mission Systems (Bristol, Plymouth, Hawthorn or Oakhanger) is where innovation meets high-tech engineering.

No matter where you start, you’ll gain valuable experience – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.