Software Engineering Apprentice

This degree apprenticeship combines four days of hands-on software development for high-profile defense projects—such as autonomous vehicles and simulation systems—with one day of dedicated university study toward a fully funded degree.

At QinetiQ we are creating a workplace that is inclusive; where our differences are not only embraced but make us stronger. A place where we can connect with each other and benefit from the experiences and thinking from people with varied backgrounds, and at different stages in their careers.

Role Purpose:

You will perform a wide variety of software tasks to support the delivery of projects across the software profession.  You will work effectively with external clients and internal teams and, as part of a team, you will help design, implement and deliver new features and maintain existing software.  

You will be given 20% of your working week to cover University commitments as you work towards a degree. 

Examples of areas that you could be contributing to: 

• Contributing to some of most challenging, high-profile science and technology programmes in the UK and overseas, 

• Developing training & simulation systems to prepare and develop our armed forces, 

• Supporting test and evaluation activities for novel equipment trials and military exercises both in the UK and internationally, 

• Delivering systems that monitor and protect our critical national infrastructure, 

• Developing autonomous air, land and maritime vehicles for military and humanitarian use, 

• Engineering embedded systems that enable robust global navigation or determination of radar or sonar signatures. 

Key Accountabilities:

1. Software Design & Development 

2. Follow corporate software development processes 

3. Adhere to the relevant coding standards. 

4. Investigate and fix small software defects 

5. Participate in code reviews 

6. Production of user documentation 

7. Inputting to software product development roadmaps. 

8. Delivery of technical output to time, cost and quality 

9. Adhere to the QinetiQ Values 

10. Start to develop specific communication skills e.g. presentation skills, report writing skills and the positioning of advice to customers. 

11. Begin working towards membership of an appropriate professional body, or similar accreditation. 

12. Submit timesheets on a weekly basis 

13. Attend team meetings and Q Talk  

14. Complete all mandatory training as instructed 

15. Maintain record of competency on Learning Zone 

16. Solicit feedback at the end of each project via PDR system 

17. Raise work concerns / issues to your line manager immediately. 

18. Self-aware for signs of stress and ensure this is communicated to your line manager immediately 

Key Capabilities/Knowledge:

• Have a strong interest and/or experience within Software Engineering. 

• Some knowledge of at least 1 object-oriented software language. 

• Good problem-solving ability. 

• Any work experience within a computing or engineering industry is beneficial. 

• Extra-curricular &/or hobbies in Software Engineering or Computer Science is beneficial. 

• Any Agile, Cloud, DevOps or embedded software experience is beneficial. 

Experience and Qualifications:

You will need to have obtained or be studying towards minimum of a 104-112 points* at A-Level (Grades BBC) OR an equivalent e.g. BTEC DMM.  This must include Maths and a Science related subject. 

You must also have at least a grade 5 (C) in Maths, IT, Science, English & at least one other at GCSE or an equivalent.

Our Benefits (the list is not exhaustive):

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms

• Coaching and Mentoring

• 25 days annual holiday excluding bank holiday

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance

• Flexible Benefits package

• Employee discount portal

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee-led networks 

Security:

Many of our roles at QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. Many roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information, which means factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may impact your role.