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
✨Get Involved with Open Source Projects
Diving into open source is a fantastic way to showcase your skills and build a solid portfolio that speaks volumes. Contributing to projects on platforms like GitHub not only helps you learn, but it puts your work in front of potential employers, including places like Leonardo!
✨Attend Hackathons and Tech Meetups
Jumping into hackathons or local tech meetups can give you great exposure to the industry. Not only do you get to network with like-minded individuals, but you might even catch the attention of recruiters from companies like Leonardo while collaborating on exciting projects.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t underestimate the power of your university's career services! They often have connections with companies looking for placement candidates like us. They can guide you on preparing for interviews and even help set up networking events.
✨Show Off Your Projects on Your Personal Website
Create a portfolio website to showcase your coding projects and development skills. This is a brilliant way to give a peek into your personality and capabilities while letting potential employers like Leonardo see your work up close. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Placement Software Engineer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In software engineering, showcasing your portfolio is key! Include links to GitHub repositories or any relevant projects you've worked on. This will give us a clear idea of your coding skills and what you can bring to Leonardo.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise programming languages, frameworks, and tools you’re familiar with on your CV. For a placement, we love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and adapt, so don’t hesitate to include any relevant coursework or certifications you’ve completed.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a placement with Leonardo specifically. Tell us what you hope to learn and how we fit into your career goals—not just what you can do for us, but what you want to gain from the experience.
Be Ready to Talk Tech:Prepare for the possibility of a technical assessment or interview. Brush up on coding challenges and be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving. Remember, we are looking for your thought process and ability to learn, not just the correct answer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a software engineering placement at Leonardo, be ready to tackle coding challenges. You might face questions on algorithms, data structures, or even a live coding session. Practising on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can really sharpen your skills and boost your confidence!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Have a couple of your projects on hand to discuss during the interview. Whether it's a personal project or something from your coursework, being able to explain your thought process, the technologies you used, and any challenges you faced can make a great impression. Be prepared to dive into the specifics and even share your GitHub link!
✨Understand the Tech Stack
Make sure you're familiar with the technologies and tools that Leonardo uses. If you see mentions of specific languages or frameworks in the job description, brush up on them. This shows your enthusiasm and preparedness for the role, making you a more attractive candidate!
✨Be Ready to Learn and Adapt
As this is a placement, the hiring team at Leonardo will be keen to hear about your motivation and potential to grow. Be open about what you want to learn from the role. Highlight experiences where you've adapted to new situations or picked up new skills quickly to showcase your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
