At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Digital Solutions team to design, develop, and test software for the Royal Navy.
- Company: Babcock, a leading tech company supporting the UK's maritime assets.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £35,000, 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic two-year programme with mentorship, training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in software development while making a real impact on national security.
- Qualifications: BEng or BSc in Computer Science or related STEM subject; passion for software development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74781
What will you do on the programme?
Joining our Digital Solutions team, you’ll help to deliver information management services and solutions that support the Royal Navy's complex maritime assets throughout their lifecycle.
On this programme, you'll learn how to design, develop and test software. Projects can include developing, enhancing and quality assuring Royal Navy IT applications and workflows using a range of technology stacks. This might include designing and developing user interfaces, APIs, workflows and databases.
You may also have opportunities to work with colleagues across our Business Analysis, Data and Infrastructure teams, helping you develop a broader understanding of the software development lifecycle and operating model.
Whatever you're working on, you'll be part of a cross-functional team, learning how software interacts with wider systems while building your skills across different technologies and testing disciplines.
How is the programme structured?
This two-year programme is designed to give you both breadth and depth in software development and testing.
You will have the opportunity to rotate across different development and testing teams, gaining broad exposure to different technologies and ways of working while helping you identify the areas best suited to your skills and interests.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have a solid technical foundation, practical experience and the skills needed for a successful career in software development and testing.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
What’s waiting for you after the programme?
Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Software Development and Test function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you've developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress through further training, supporting your development into more advanced roles such as Senior Developer or Senior Tester.
From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
What rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM subject. A genuine interest in software development and technology. An understanding of core software development concepts, such as:
- Software Development lifecycle
- Agile ways of working
- Programming fundamentals
- Source Control
- Debugging and problem solving
- Code quality and peer reviews
- Frontend, Databases and APIs
Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
Where will you be based?
Our Software Development Graduate Programme for September 2027 is based in our Nuclear sector in Bristol.
We offer agile working, giving you some flexibility, but you can expect to spend several days a week on-site as part of your role and development. Occasional travel to other company sites may also be required.
Our business in Bristol is a key strategic partner to our customers — the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy. We ensure that the UK Royal Navy goes to sea safely by sustaining the submarines with updates, design and documentation, upgrades and overhauls. We are developing innovative Operations Centres, technology insertion programmes, predictive data analytics and visualisation and training aids using games engine technologies.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Software Development Graduate Programme in Bristol employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and career development, offering a flexible hybrid working environment in the UK. With generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, professional fee coverage, and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, Babcock fosters a supportive and inclusive culture where employees can thrive while contributing to vital national security projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Graduate Programme in Bristol
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Babcock International or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Babcock International.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Babcock International.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Babcock International that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Graduate Programme in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Babcock International.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Babcock International and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Babcock International uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
