Graduate Software Engineer – Real-Time Systems in Newcastle upon Tyne

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 bigger—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 Software Engineers have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the product development, from solution concept through to system integration. Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable ’smart’ solutions. We want people who are passionate about software development, who want to continuously refine their technical skills and who want to be part of the cutting‑edge and vibrant community that is Software Engineering at Leonardo.

Our 18-month Engineering Graduate Programme

Our Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside subject matter experts. 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:

• Work on real‑time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company.
• Have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the product development, from solution concept through to system integration.

Key Responsibility Areas

As a Software Engineer you are responsible for creating high quality and robust code, for fully documenting and recording your work products, keeping them under configuration management and providing plans and reports on progress to your supervisor. You will develop practical skills in design techniques for aerospace applications and understanding of key processes and technologies. You will work closely with Software, Systems, Firmware and Electronics Engineers to solve real integration problems on a complex system. There may be opportunities to contribute towards the investigation and analysis of leading edge development methodologies and influence the future path of software development within Leonardo.

What we need from you:

We are looking for graduates who are enthusiastic about Software design and eager to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. All of our roles require a minimum of a 2:1 Bachelors/Integrated Master’s degree, or (b) a higher degree, such as a MSc or PhD. Relevant subjects include Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Electronic Engineering.

Highly desirable

• Experience of agile development
• Programming in an object‑oriented language such as C++
• Knowledge of UML (Unified Modelling Language)
• Summer or Industrial placement experience relevant to your degree

A full statement of courses and projects studied at university and corresponding grades/marks/percentage should be included in your CV.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

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 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.

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.