Graduate Software Engineer

Do you want to work on real-time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company? Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable ’smart’ solutions. We are a continually expanding company, offering exciting opportunities to talented individuals who want to work at the forefront of technology. With the majority of our engineers having chartered status, you can look forward to working with highly skilled professionals that are passionate about their work.

Our 18-month Graduate Programme

Joining the Leonardo Graduate Scheme is the opportunity to be part of the next generation of our business. As a Graduate you will join us on £33,000 with a welcome bonus and could receive a generous Temporary Accommodation Allowance if you move more than 40 miles away from home for the role.

You will be provided with a wealth of development opportunities in both virtual and applied working environments. On our programme you will engage with challenging and exciting project work and deliver innovative business or technical solutions as part of a team of subject matter experts. Throughout the programme you will receive coaching and support from your team to achieve your objectives as well as your personal development goals. 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 chartership.

At Leonardo we value individuals who continuously demonstrate a dedication to their personal development, and this is no different for our graduates. We have partnered with Coursera & LinkedIn online training platforms that offer around 4,000 courses you can sign up to, according to your professional and personal interests. Self-directed learning thrives in this environment.

As a Graduate Software Engineer, you will

• Need to have an understanding of software engineering principles with knowledge of programming in one or more software language(s)
• Possess excellent communication and inter-personal skills and have the confidence and ability to challenge and contribute
• Have an enthusiasm and passion for software development
• Be able to demonstrate and apply system-level thinking

It is likely that you will need to be in the office for a least 4 days per week, although you may be able to work some days from home, depending on your projects. You will report to an experienced Software Engineer who will provide day to day guidance and on-the-job training. You will be introduced to the software development processes and utilise state-of-the-art methods, technology and tools. You will also gain experience all aspects of the software development lifecycle, which could include applied research, requirements analysis, design, implementation, integration and test.

Key Responsibility Areas

Working alongside developers and experts in an environment that is both challenging and rewarding. Your responsibilities will include

• Growing and applying your knowledge of software engineering as part of an Integrated Project Team
• Developing practical skills in design techniques for land, sea or aerospace applications
• Managing your personal development towards attaining professional standards and registration within a relevant body
• Supporting early careers activities – our graduates have the opportunity to work as STEM ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities

What We Need From You

• Hold UK (or UK + other) citizenship
• Have been a permanent resident in the UK for at least five years at the time of application
• We require (a) a minimum of a 2 2 Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD

For the Graduate Software Engineer role, the acceptable degrees are

• Software Engineering
• Computer Science

The role will normally commence around the beginning of September 2025. However, if you have (or will have) completed your degree before summer 2025, there may be opportunities to start early or slightly later (if completing a Master’s).

Life at Leonardo

• Flexible Working – Flexible hours with possibility of some hybrid working.
• Company funded flexible benefits – Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays – 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension – Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing – Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle – Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training – Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive – You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member

Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of five years permanent residency in the UK.

At Leonardo, we are strongly committed to supporting all our people, and, as society and the environment we work in changes, our approach to Inclusion and Diversity continues to evolve and adapt to reflect this. A culture of inclusion goes on to create an environment for greater collaboration, innovation and opportunities to develop as an organisation. If you are willing and able to commit to giving your best performance, you will find Leonardo a very rewarding place to work!

Primary Location

GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid

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