Industrial Placement Software Engineer

Salary: £25,000
Programme start date: September 2027
Citizenship required: UK citizenship required
Security clearance: Security Check (SC)
Travel required: Approximately 10%
Location: Cheltenham
Working arrangement: Flexible working options subject to the role and programme needs
Hours: Full-time
Requisition ID: R10251089

What’s your possible?

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 contributing to technology projects with real purpose?

As an Industrial Placement Software Engineer within our Cyber & Intelligence business, you will contribute to projects spanning cyber innovation, research and development, big data analytics and systems architecture. Your work will help support customers with complex and sensitive data and information requirements as they deliver ambitious digital transformation programmes.

Working as part of an Agile development team, you will help create clean, well-constructed and unit-tested code. You will also contribute to feature design, system testing, operational support and continuous improvement, gaining experience across different stages of the software development lifecycle.

This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, strengthen your technical skills and understand how high-quality software is developed and supported within defence and security.

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 as part of an Agile team while learning from experienced software engineers and building 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

Along the way, you could develop experience in:

• 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 who are passionate about software development and computing, enjoy solving challenging problems and want to build practical experience within a collaborative Agile team. You will bring an analytical approach, logical reasoning and a willingness to learn from the people around you.

Essential:

• Currently working towards a relevant degree, such as Software Engineering or Computer Science (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
• A genuine passion for software development and computing
• Experience writing code in Python, Java or JavaScript
• An understanding of the software development lifecycle
• An understanding of the importance of delivering work to deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and logical reasoning
• The ability to approach problems and develop innovative solutions

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.

If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Sometimes people hesitate because they cannot tick every box. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could grow into the role, we would like to hear from you.

Security clearance

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.

Our recruitment team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact [email protected] for further information.

Benefits

• 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.

Ready to apply?

Yes: Submit your application online.

Possibly: If you would like to learn more about the programme, the role or the security clearance process, contact [email protected].

Not this opportunity: Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.