Graduate Software Engineer

Job Description:Your impact

Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one?

At Leonardo, we’re looking for graduates who want to be part of something extraordinary - shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

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 professional development.

Our 18-month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside industry leaders.

On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You’ll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

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

You can look forward to working with highly skilled professionals who are passionate about their work of designing and developing cutting edge technology for a worldwide market.

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 you will bring

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 2027. However, if you have (or will have) completed your degree before summer 2027, there may be opportunities to start early or slightly later (if completing a Master’s).

Security Clearance

Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.

For more information and guidance please visit:

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

• Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).

• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.

• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit:

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Start your extraordinary career – apply now!

Primary Location:

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300Contract Type:

PermanentHybrid Working:

Hybrid