Graduate Software Engineer
// Role Summary
Kickstart your software engineering career with Northrop Grumman UK's two-year Graduate Programme, developing cutting-edge technology for national defence programmes. Gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship, and contribute to meaningful projects from day one.
// Key Responsibilities
- Structured two-year Graduate Programme starting September 2027.
- Develop innovative software solutions for national defence missions.
- Work in collaborative Agile development teams using modern technologies.
- Opportunity for project rotations and exposure to various engineering areas.
- Requires sole UK citizenship and ability to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.
- Flexible working options and comprehensive benefits package.
// Role Specification
Graduate Software Engineer
Northrop Grumman UK is seeking passionate and analytical graduates to join our team as Graduate Software Engineers. This is an exceptional opportunity to begin your career by developing technology that supports strategically important national defence programmes. You will contribute to pioneering projects, solve complex customer challenges using innovative technologies, and work within collaborative Agile development teams.
Our structured two-year Graduate Programme, starting in September 2027, is designed to transform your academic knowledge and coding experience into practical software engineering expertise. The programme combines on-the-job learning with technical, professional, and leadership skills development. You may have opportunities to rotate across projects, gaining exposure to different types of work and helping you explore your technical interests. Each graduate will have a personalised development plan, supported by a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead, and line manager.
As a Graduate Software Engineer, you will be involved in designing, developing, and improving software, writing clear and effective code in languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, or C/C++. You will work within Agile teams, applying software engineering practices across the development lifecycle, collaborating with colleagues to understand requirements, and delivering high-quality software within agreed timescales.
Along the way, you could develop experience in areas such as Cybersecurity, Software architecture and design, Systems and application development, Artificial intelligence and microservices, Web-oriented architectures and cloud technologies, Enterprise integration patterns and open-source products, and Agile methodologies and DevSecOps tools.
We are looking for individuals with a genuine passion for software development and computing, who enjoy solving challenging problems and are eager to make a meaningful difference. Essential requirements include a relevant degree (or equivalent experience), experience writing code, an understanding of the software development lifecycle, strong analytical skills, and the ability to contribute to projects through to their conclusion. While not essential, the ability to approach problems creatively and develop innovative solutions is desired.
Key Programme Details:
- Programme Start Date: September 2027
- Duration: Two years
- Location: Cheltenham
- Working Arrangement: Flexible working options available, subject to role and programme needs.
- Hours: Full-time
- Travel: Approximately 10%
Security Requirements:
Due to the nature of our work, you must have sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check (SC) clearance.
Benefits:
- Flexible working options (hybrid, compressed fortnights).
- Private healthcare, dental, life assurance, and pension.
- Flexible benefits package.
- Holiday buy and sell scheme.
- Career development programmes.
- Annual performance incentive programme.
Northrop Grumman UK is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.
For further information, please contact Earlycareers@uk.ngc.com.