Industrial Placement Software Engineer Intern

Job Description:

The opportunity:

Our Central London team is looking for talented and enthusiastic Industrial Placement Software Engineer to help develop and maintain the internal knowledge management software for our MOD customer. The role will suit those with a Computer Science background who wish to apply their abilities in a broad corporate context.

The type of project you will be working on:

• Customer Integration: You will be a member of a software project team within our larger Defence Analytics Group working in Central London. The group is integrated into a joint unit with government employees, members of the armed forces, and other contractors.
• The Challenge: To develop and maintain in-house knowledge management software for the dissemination of technical assessments. This tool is primarily written in C# for customer interaction, linking into underlying databases and presenting the information via a web interface.
• Collaboration: You will be working in close liaison with wider teams across the customer base to understand their requirements, with the opportunity to contribute, influence, challenge and improve joint ways of working and knowledge.
• Breadth: You will be working in an environment where supporting different customer requirements presents a variety of challenges.

What you’ll do:

Collaborate with the Principal Software Engineer: Assist in prototyping, designing, developing, and maintaining our in-house front-end application and product website.

Database Management: Support the maintenance, development, and querying of our back-end database.

Production Runs: Participate in monthly production runs to deliver updated assessments to various partners, addressing technical and strategic integration challenges across different environments.

Customer Support: Provide ad hoc advice and support to MOD customers, often at short notice.

Travel: Travel within the UK for customer and delivery support.

What we need from you:

• A Computer Science background, or other STEM degree with a strong emphasis on programming, with the ability to apply these skills to a variety of problems.
• Front-End Development: A number of languages are utilised, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks (e.g., ASP.NET) for designing and maintaining web applications. You do not need experience with all of these, but you do need a willingness to learn.
• Software Development: Experience in software prototyping, design, and development, preferably with knowledge of programming languages such as C#, .NET, XAML, and WPF.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to address technical and strategic challenges, particularly in integrating systems across different environments.
• Customer Support: Good communication and interpersonal skills to provide effective support and advice to customers, often at short notice.
• Project Management: Organisational skills to assist in managing production runs and delivering updates on schedule.
• The ability to work office-based in central London.

It would be nice if you had:

Back-End Database Management: Knowledge of SQL and experience with database management systems (e.g., SQL, Transact-SQL) for maintaining and querying databases.·      

An appreciation of, and interest in, aerospace technologies. 

What you will get: ·      

Impact: You will help ensure that MOD’s technical assessments are robust and delivered in a timely manner to UK Defence partners and front-line forces.

Opportunity: You will play a key role in the delivery of MOD technical assessment which is a critical input to MOD’s equipment procurement programs. 

Knowledge: You will develop an understanding of C# coding within a real-world project and an engaged customer base.

Skills: You will develop a range of software, project planning and interpersonal skills.

Insights: You will get to work within a Leonardo team that is fully integrated with its MOD customer which will provide an excellent opportunity to see up-close how the MOD operates. 

Teamwork: You will work with a diverse technical team in a highly collaborative environment.  

Security Clearance 

Many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations.  As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years. 

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV).  As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment. 

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years.  In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.  Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment. 

For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us 

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, our teams are key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.  

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive. 

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year. 

• Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. 

• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity. 

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more. 

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. 

Start your extraordinary career – apply now!

Primary Location:

GB - London - Whitehall

Contract Type:

Fixed term

Hybrid Working:

Onsite