At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain C++ software for mission-critical defence applications.
- Company: Leading defence and advanced-technology organisation with a collaborative engineering team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, structured training, and exposure to complex systems.
- Other info: Great opportunity for problem-solvers who thrive in collaborative settings.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career on technology that genuinely matters in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; strong C++ skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Hybrid working 2 days per week with flexi hours. A leading defence and advanced-technology organisation is seeking a highly motivated Graduate C++ Programmer to join its engineering team in Portsmouth. This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent graduate to begin a career working on mission-critical software that underpins some of the UK’s most advanced defence platforms. You’ll be part of a large, multidisciplinary engineering environment developing high-performance, safety-critical and real-time systems used across land, sea and air domains. Expect structured training, exposure to complex systems, and the chance to contribute to technology that genuinely matters.
About the Role
As a Graduate C++ Programmer, you will work within an established software engineering group responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining C++ applications and embedded components used in defence systems. You’ll collaborate with experienced engineers, follow rigorous development standards, and gain hands-on experience with modern C++ in a secure, high-assurance environment. This role is ideal for graduates who enjoy problem-solving, low-level programming, and working on systems where performance, reliability and precision are paramount.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, test and maintain C++ software for real-time and mission-critical defence applications.
- Work with senior engineers to implement features, resolve defects and improve system performance.
- Contribute to software design, code reviews and documentation in line with strict engineering standards.
- Support integration and testing activities across hardware, simulation and embedded environments.
- Follow secure development practices and adhere to defence-sector compliance requirements.
- Learn and apply modern C++ techniques, tools and methodologies within a structured engineering workflow.
Essential Qualifications
- A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computing, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong understanding of C++, object-oriented programming and core computer science fundamentals.
- Ability to solve complex problems logically and methodically.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering team.
- Eligibility to work on defence projects (including the ability to undergo security vetting).
Desirable Extras
- Familiarity with modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20).
- Experience with Linux development, embedded systems or real-time programming.
- Exposure to version control tools (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
- Understanding of networking, multithreading or low-level systems programming.
Graduate C++ Programmer in Portsmouth employer: It Search & Select
Join a leading defence and advanced-technology organisation in Portsmouth, where you'll embark on a rewarding career as a Graduate C++ Programmer. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, structured training, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to mission-critical software that supports the UK's defence capabilities. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, flexible hours, and the chance to work alongside experienced engineers in a secure environment dedicated to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate C++ Programmer in Portsmouth
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!
✨Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons
Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Set Up a Public Portfolio
We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate C++ Programmer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with It Search & Select. Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!
Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to It Search & Select in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at It Search & Select
✨Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions
For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!
✨Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects
As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools
Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.
