Industrial Placement - Software Engineer

As an Industrial Placement Software Engineer, you will help develop software-centric capabilities that enable mission success in some of the most demanding operational environments. Your work will support critical defence capabilities, including multi-domain Command and Control systems used by UK and international customers. Working alongside experienced engineers in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will help design, develop, test and integrate software solutions. You will contribute to live projects from day one, solving complex technical challenges and developing innovative solutions that make a real operational difference. This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, strengthen your technical capabilities and develop the professional skills needed for a successful career in software engineering. Our Industrial Placement Programme Our structured 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to help you develop the practical skills needed to build a successful career in defence and technology. Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful software engineering work and take part in an Industrial Placement group project. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your placement. From the beginning, you will contribute to live projects while learning from experienced engineers, architects and technical specialists.

What you'll do

• Contribute to software development projects within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Design, develop, test and integrate software solutions
• Develop clean, maintainable and well-tested code
• Apply Agile methodologies and modern software engineering practices
• Participate in sprint planning, reviews and retrospectives
• Support software integration, debugging and problem investigation
• Contribute to technical reviews and collaborative design discussions
• Help deliver mission-critical capabilities for UK defence customers

Along the way, you could develop experience in:

• Software architecture and object-oriented design
• Java and C++ development
• Cloud technologies and modern distributed systems
• Microservice architectures and web development
• DevSecOps tools and CI/CD pipelines
• Agile delivery practices
• Systems integration
• Cybersecurity principles
• Open-source software and applied artificial intelligence
• Working within secure defence environments

• A genuine passion for software development and technology
• Experience developing software using one or more programming languages, such as Java, C++, C#, Python or a similar language
• An understanding of the software development lifecycle
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear communication and collaboration skills
• The ability to work effectively within a team environment
• A desire to learn and continuously develop your technical capabilities

We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills outside of traditional degree routes. If you've built your expertise through work experience, an apprenticeship, professional certifications, bootcamps, open-source contributions, or significant personal projects, then we encourage your application.

Due to the nature of our work, you must have Sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role.

At Northrop Grumman UK, you'll be part of a team driving innovation where it matters most, solving tomorrow's challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it Defining Possible . This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it's the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community. This is more than just a job. It's a mission. Ready to gain practical software engineering experience by developing technology that supports strategically important national defence programmes?

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights with every other Friday off
• Private healthcare, dental, life assurance and pension
• Flexible benefits package, including critical illness cover and a health cash plan
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Annual performance incentive programme

Why join us?

• A Mission to Believe In: Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world.
• A Place to Belong and Thrive: Every voice matters. Find community and belonging through our employee networks and get involved with STEM volunteering events.
• Your Career, Your Way: Discover your possible through diverse roles, mentorship and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions.

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