Key Takeaways
- Gain hands-on experience as a Software Engineer on real-world projects during a 13-week paid summer placement.
- Earn £25,000 per year for the duration of the placement.
- Requires a predicted 2:2 in a relevant STEM degree.
- Placement runs from 1st June 2027 to 27th August 2027 in Edinburgh.
- Opportunity to gain valuable skills and potentially secure a place on the Graduate Development programme.
About the Role
Leonardo is seeking summer placement students to gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects. This paid opportunity offers the chance to apply your studies in a practical setting, develop technical skills, and gain insight into the company's operations.
The Programme
The 13-week Summer Placement Programme runs from 1st June 2027 to 27th August 2027. It is designed to enhance your technical skills and provide experience on meaningful projects alongside experienced engineers and graduates. You will receive coaching and support, working in multidisciplinary teams to gain experience across the product lifecycle. Successful placements may lead to offers for further placements or the Graduate Development programme.
Your Responsibilities
As a Summer Placement Software Engineer, you will:
- Provide support to real projects.
- Apply academic knowledge in a practical manner.
- Undertake activities including designing, testing, qualifying, and supporting technology across various products.
- Collaborate with team members to gather information, complete objectives, and examine outcomes.
- Deliver small work packages on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Work within a team to achieve project targets, collaborate across disciplines, and solve problems.
- Share knowledge with team members.
- Complete tasks to a high standard in accordance with appropriate processes and procedures.
- Develop engineering skills with support from a supervisor and by being a fully integrated team member.
- Prepare and deliver a presentation at the start of your placement introducing yourself and your planned work.
- Prepare and deliver a presentation at the end of your placement showcasing your learning and achievements.
What You Will Bring
- A minimum of a predicted 2:2 grade in a relevant degree discipline (e.g., Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Electronic Engineering).
- An interest in Software Engineering, specifically in real-time development for avionic systems.
- Experience in computer programming and enthusiasm for software design and coding.
- Experience with an object-oriented programming language like C++ and knowledge of UML are advantageous but not essential.
- Applications are also welcomed from candidates who have completed a first degree and are seeking industrial experience before commencing a relevant higher degree (e.g., PhD, MSc).
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated with drive and enthusiasm.
- Ability to use initiative to achieve objectives.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a changing environment.
- Highly responsive with a strong customer focus.
- Thoroughness and ability to see jobs through to completion with high standards.
- Flexibility and adaptability to situational changes.
Security Clearance
Many roles are subject to security and export control restrictions. Successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration, and employment/education history verification for the previous five years. Further vetting may apply for specific roles.
Benefits
- Pro-rata annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays).
- Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks.
- Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.