At a Glance
- Tasks: Support real-world projects and develop engineering skills in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in innovative avionics technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and free online courses.
- Other info: Dynamic placement with mentoring and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make an impact on cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 2:1 predicted grade in relevant degree and programming knowledge required.
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Programme: 13 weeks, 1 June 2026 – 28 August 2026.
Contract type: Fixed term.
Hybrid working: Onsite.
About the Programme
Leonardo’s Summer Placement Programme is a paid, 13‑week opportunity for students to apply their studies in a practical setting, develop technical skills, and gain valuable insight into how the business operates. This programme offers a chance to work on real‑world projects across multidisciplinary integrated teams in Edinburgh, including state‑of‑the‑art avionics sensor systems such as radar for fighter jets and laser target designators.
Responsibilities
- Provide support to real-world projects.
- Apply knowledge gained while studying in a practical way.
- Undertake activities including designing, testing, qualifying and supporting technology across our range of products.
- Work as part of an established engineering community, supported by experienced engineers.
- Deliver small packages of work on time, cost and quality.
- Collaborate across multiple disciplines to achieve project targets and solve problems.
- Communicate with team members to share knowledge.
- Complete tasks to a high standard following appropriate processes and procedures.
- Use the opportunity to develop engineering skills, with mentoring and supervision.
- Prepare a short presentation at the start of the placement to introduce yourself and discuss your work.
- Showcase what you have learned at the end of the placement to the Head of Software and the wider team.
Qualifications
- Minimum predicted 2:1 grade in a relevant degree discipline (Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Electronic Engineering or equivalent).
- Completed a first degree with the potential for further higher degree (MSc or PhD).
- Solid knowledge of computer programming.
- Experience with an object‑oriented language such as C++ and knowledge of UML is an advantage.
Competencies we look for
- Demonstrated interest in software engineering for real‑time avionic systems development.
- Enthusiasm for designing software and writing code.
Personal Attributes
- Self‑motivated with drive and enthusiasm.
- Independent initiative to achieve objectives.
- Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a changing environment.
- Strong customer focus and responsiveness.
- Thoroughness and high standards.
- Flexibility and adaptability to situational change.
Security Clearance
This role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply if required for The Security Check (SC).
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rated for placement).
- Employer contribution to pension scheme (up to 15%).
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led inclusion networks.
- Free access to over 4,000 online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Key Details
Primary Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Contract Type: Fixed term.
Hybrid Working: Onsite.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Summer Placement Software Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo
Leonardo is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Edinburgh, where students can immerse themselves in cutting-edge technology and real-world projects. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the Summer Placement Programme provides invaluable mentoring, access to extensive online learning resources, and a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. Enjoy competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and mental health support, while contributing to pioneering advancements in avionics systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Placement Software Engineer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past employees on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about asking for insights into the company culture or the role. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is golden!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for software engineering roles and practice your answers. Don’t forget to showcase your passion for real-time avionic systems – it’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your projects! Whether it’s a personal project or something from your studies, be ready to discuss what you’ve built and the challenges you faced. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your coding skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the programme and any updates directly from us. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Placement Software Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Summer Placement Software Engineer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your programming knowledge and any projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for software engineering and how your studies have prepared you for this placement. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about working on real-world avionic systems.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's coursework or personal projects, demonstrating your hands-on experience can really set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your programming skills, especially in C++ and UML. Be ready to discuss your projects and how you've applied your knowledge practically. This will show that you're not just a student but someone who can contribute to real-world projects.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Leonardo is looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about software engineering, particularly in the context of avionic systems. Share your passion for designing software and writing code during the interview. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Prepare for Teamwork
Since you'll be working in multidisciplinary teams, think about examples from your studies or previous experiences where you collaborated effectively. Highlight your ability to communicate and share knowledge with others, as this is key to achieving project targets.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll need to prepare a short presentation at the start of your placement, so why not practice this ahead of time? Think about how you can introduce yourself and your work clearly and confidently. This will not only help you in the interview but also set you up for success during the placement.
