Industrial Placement - Software Engineer
// Role Summary
Join Northrop Grumman UK as an Industrial Placement Software Engineer, contributing to cutting-edge technology projects within the Cyber & Intelligence domain. Gain practical experience in Agile development, code creation, and system support for a 12-month period.
// Key Responsibilities
- Gain hands-on software engineering experience in a defence and security context.
- Contribute to meaningful projects within an Agile development team.
- Develop skills in code creation, debugging, system testing, and feature design.
- Receive dedicated mentorship and support throughout the 12-month placement.
- Opportunity to work on complex data and information requirements for government clients.
- Requires Sole UK citizenship and ability to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.
// Role Specification
Industrial Placement Software Engineer
Northrop Grumman UK is seeking passionate students to join our Cyber & Intelligence business as Industrial Placement Software Engineers. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience in software development and contribute to technology projects with real purpose, supporting complex national security requirements.
During this 12-month placement, you will work as part of an Agile development team, contributing to the creation of clean, well-constructed, and unit-tested code. You will gain exposure to various stages of the software development lifecycle, including feature design, system testing, operational support, and continuous improvement.
Our Industrial Placement Programme
The structured 12-month programme, starting in September 2027, is designed to equip you with the practical skills for a successful career in defence and technology. You will contribute to meaningful software engineering work, participate in a group project, and receive comprehensive guidance from a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead, and line manager. You will learn from experienced engineers and build your professional network across Northrop Grumman UK.
What you’ll do:
- Help create clean, well-constructed, and unit-tested code.
- Complete development and support activities managed through the team’s Scrum board.
- Assist with debugging and fault-finding for operational systems.
- Support the design of features from the team’s product roadmap.
- Work with the Product Owner and project stakeholders during design activities.
- Contribute to sprint ceremonies, continuous improvement, and team planning.
- Write system tests under the guidance of the team’s test manager.
Experience you could develop:
- Agile software development
- Clean coding and unit testing
- Feature design and technical decision-making
- Debugging and fault-finding
- Operational system support
- System testing
- Product Owner and stakeholder collaboration
- Sprint planning and continuous improvement
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for students with a genuine passion for software development and computing, who enjoy solving challenging problems and are eager to build practical experience within a collaborative Agile team. You should possess an analytical approach, logical reasoning skills, and a strong willingness to learn.
- Currently working towards a relevant degree (e.g., Software Engineering, Computer Science) or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge.
- Experience writing code in Python, Java, or JavaScript.
- An understanding of the software development lifecycle and the importance of delivering work to deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills and logical reasoning.
- Ability to approach problems and develop innovative solutions.
We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills through alternative routes such as apprenticeships, professional certifications, bootcamps, or significant personal projects.
Security Clearance:
Due to the nature of our work, Sole UK citizenship is required. You must be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check (SC) clearance.
Benefits:
- Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements.
- Private healthcare, dental, life assurance, and pension.
- Flexible benefits package.
- Holiday buy and sell scheme.
- Career development programmes.
- Annual performance incentive programme.
For more information or to apply, please contact Earlycareers@uk.ngc.com.