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.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a relevant degree such as Software Engineering or Computer Science, or equivalent knowledge and skills
- Passion for software development and computing
- Experience writing code in Python, Java, or JavaScript
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle
- Understanding of delivering work to deadlines
- Strong analytical skills and logical reasoning
- Ability to approach problems and develop innovative solutions
- Sole UK citizenship
- Ability to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
