Graduate Software Engineer in Maidenhead

Company Ultra Intelligence & Communications – Cyber (UK) Business Powering Decision Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense.

Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

Based: Ultra I&C's Cyber Centre of Excellence in Maidenhead, Berkshire. We are global market leaders within embedded encryption solutions which is forged by decades of Cryptographic engineering accomplishments. We protect highly sensitive information, working with nations worldwide to help ensure their information is secure. Our engineers work on the most difficult cybersecurity challenges to protect our national security and critical infrastructure; we strive to protect what matters.

Why Join our Graduate Scheme? We are seeking talented graduates for our September 2026 intake with a passion for cyber-security and engineering with an inquisitive mind, an intrinsic interest in innovation, enthusiasm for solving complex technical engineering problems, and achieving success through teamwork. You will be provided with a unique experience to work on a range of projects from early inception to delivery in addition to early research activities pathfinding future crypto solutions. The 2-year graduate programme will focus on your growth as a Software Engineer, whilst offering you exposure to our other key engineering disciplines. After completion of the two-year scheme, you are guaranteed a position at Ultra I&C Cyber within the Software engineering function located in Maidenhead, our new state-of-the-art Cyber Centre of Excellence.

Opportunity to increase earning potential with regular pay reviews in addition to a fixed travel and accommodation allowance. You will be provided with excellent support, including direct access to a buddy and a mentor (independent of your line manager), on-the-job coaching by senior team members, and formal training in both soft and technical skills. We encourage graduates to participate in completing their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to progress their engineering competence and work towards professional recognition of their achievements. We also help support our engineers to become chartered or incorporated. Ultra I&C Cyber encourages all graduates to be STEM advocates through activities such as school, college and university engagement and volunteering.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement software in C/C++ and / or Rust in line with the company software development process and supporting codes of practice.
• Validate software by carrying out integration tests on target hardware.
• Create applications in Python to support automatic test equipment development.
• Contribute to the creation of software requirements, architecture, and design documentation.
• Create unit tests and regression suites to be incorporated into the CI build pipeline.

Skills Required

• Relevant degree in a STEM related discipline with a minimum of a lower second-class honours degree achieved within the past two years.
• Experience of C, C++, Rust or Python.
• Experience of Object-Oriented Design (OOD).

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of embedded software design for microcontrollers, microcontroller familiarity.
• Knowledge of JavaScript, node.js and react.js.
• Knowledge of design patterns such as SOLID.
• Agile/Scrum, Jira, Version control (GIT), experience in C embedded programming, awareness of coding standards e.g. MISRA.

Role Requirements

• Willing and able to obtain, and maintain, SC/DV security clearance.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export‑controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Our Benefits

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance – where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We, therefore, do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible.