Leonardocompany

Test Software Engineer (manual)

In short

This is an 18-month graduate programme at Leonardo to develop into a Test Software Engineer, working across the full software design lifecycle for test solutions on hardware/firmware integration. It's a junior-level, hybrid role based in Edinburgh (with a secondary location in Newcastle) requiring a minimum 2:2 Bachelor's or higher degree in Security, Computer Communication and Networks, or Computer & Network Technology & Cyber Security. The role is subject to UK Government security vetting (BPSS and potentially National Security Vetting), generally requiring continuous UK residency for the previous five years. Starting salary is £34,000 per annum plus a £1,000 welcome bonus and £1,000 completion bonus.

About the Role
Are you ready to launch your career and make an impact on real-world projects from day one? At Leonardo, we're looking for graduates who want to be part of something extraordinary — shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We are committed to developing our graduates into leading technical or business professionals, and we will support you through your preferred route for professional development.
Our 18-month Graduate Programmes give you the opportunity to work on exciting and challenging projects alongside industry leaders. On joining, you will receive a starting salary of £34,000 per annum, plus a £1,000 welcome bonus. You'll also be eligible for a £1,000 exit bonus upon successful completion of the programme. In addition, you may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria. We encourage you to spend at least three days each week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.
Responsibilities
•Develop the skills required to create software for test solutions, across a varied product portfolio
•Explore all stages of the development lifecycle, from requirements definition through to implementation, integration test and delivery
•Build practical experience by working on real development and production test solutions delivered to internal and external customers
•Enhance your technical capability through a combination of on-the-job learning and formal training, aligned to business needs and your career aspirations
•Gain experience across the full software design lifecycle, from requirements analysis; through design, coding and unit test; to integrating the software with the hardware target; and lastly to acceptance test and delivery to the customer
•Contribute to the creation of high quality and robust code; documenting and recording your work products; keeping them under configuration management and providing plans and reports on progress
•Develop an understanding of complex products through close collaboration with Hardware and Firmware engineers to solve real integration problems on test systems
•Have opportunities to take an active role in engineering process improvement
•Develop software solutions to control measurement instrumentation devices and fully automate testing of a unit under test
Requirements
•A minimum of a 2:2 Bachelor's/Integrated Master's degree, or higher degree, such as MSc or PhD
•Acceptable degree disciplines include: Security, Computer Communication and Networks, Computer & Network Technology & Cyber Security
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.
Benefits
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do — 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.
•Time to recharge: Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year
•Secure your future: 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
•Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme
•Join in our success: Annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan providing the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo
•Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more
Location & Contract
•Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh
•Additional Locations: GB - Newcastle
•Contract Type: Permanent
•Hybrid Working: Hybrid

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