At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle real engineering challenges in radar and support systems while developing innovative test solutions.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a leader in technology and innovation based in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of leave, a pension scheme, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Dynamic 13-week placement with potential for future opportunities and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make an impact in cutting-edge technology projects.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; strong communication skills required.
Overview
Leonardo, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Summer Placement Test Software Engineer role at Leonardo. Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Employment type: Fixed term. Hybrid: Onsite.
Responsibilities
- Work on real engineering problems within Radar, Advanced Targeting or Support business areas.
- Develop test solutions for:
- Captor radar for the Typhoon fighter jet;
- Raven radar for the SAAB Gripen fighter jet;
- our family of Surveillance AESA radars;
- IRCM (Infra-Red Counter Measures) systems;
- laser target designator or laser ranging systems.
- Define software for our Future Test Software Architecture.
- Advance results generation and analysis understanding.
- Contribute to the investigation and implementation of our “Future Factory” aspirations.
- Within the Test Software Engineering community you will learn skills required for software development, work with instrumentation hardware, and deliver technical reports and presentations to your supervisor and fellow placement students.
- You will be supported by day-to-day guidance from an experienced engineer and receive formal technical training as required.
The Programme
The 13-week Summer Industrial Placement Programme runs from 1 June 2026 to 28 August 2026. The programme is designed to develop technical skills, apply your studies practically, and provide exposure across the product lifecycle with potential for future placements or a Graduate Development Programme offer.
What You’ll Bring
- Currently undertaking a minimum of a Bachelor’s level degree in Mechanical Engineering (or similar field).
- Self-motivated with a willingness to take on new challenges and drive personal development.
- Strong communication skills across written, verbal, and digital mediums.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships with peers and stakeholders.
- Adaptable to changing demands within the role.
- Offer novel ideas and methods for solving technical problems, drawing on academic knowledge.
- Relevant project work and/or placements in industry are beneficial but not essential.
Entry Requirements
All placements should be working towards a minimum of an upper Second class Bachelor’s/Integrated Master’s degree, or a higher degree (MSc/PhD). Subjects should be Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Successful candidates must be returning to university after the Summer Placement (not in their final year).
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply and could include eligibility for The Security Check (SC).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of what we do, contributing to innovation, technology and global safety. We offer a comprehensive benefits package supporting wellbeing, learning, and work–life balance.
- Time to recharge: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata for placements.
- Secure your future: Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your wellbeing matters: Mental health support, financial advice, and employee networks promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Never stop learning: 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
For a full list of company benefits, visit the Leonardo careers site. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements for the recruitment process, please let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Summer Placement Test Software Engineer in Edinburgh employer: Leonardo
At Leonardo in Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters innovation and personal growth. Our Summer Placement Test Software Engineer role offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while receiving comprehensive support and training from experienced engineers. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, a generous benefits package, and a commitment to inclusivity, we provide a rewarding environment for aspiring engineers to thrive and develop their skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Placement Test 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 Test 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.
