Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI

Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI

Location: Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

Role Type: Early Careers - Apprenticeship

Job ID: 19981

Role Purpose

The QinetiQ Software Engineering discipline supports a broad range of our capabilities from designing submarines to cyber security services and is at the forefront of developing innovative software solutions to meet the demanding requirements of our customers and partner organisations.

We are a group of professional software developers and engineers working across the air, land, maritime and space domains. We use the latest software development technologies to create innovative solutions. Our teams recruit proactive, passionate and innovative people who are eager to improve the way we work and shape the solutions of tomorrow.

Our teams include apprentices, subject matter experts, software architects and technical leaders, representing a variety of STEM related backgrounds.

We develop R&D, product and service projects from mission systems to simulation & training. Software Engineering covers everything from embedded, real time systems to cloud based services. We work in multidisciplinary teams on autonomous vehicles, high end cryptography and high precision satellite navigation for challenging, high profile science and technology programmes.

Key Accountabilities

What will I be doing?

You will perform a wide variety of software tasks to support project delivery. You will work effectively with external clients and internal teams, helping design, implement and deliver new features, and maintain existing software. You will have 20% of your working week dedicated to university commitments as you work toward a degree.

Areas of Contribution

• Supporting the most challenging, high profile science and technology programmes in the UK and overseas
• Developing training & simulation systems for armed forces
• Supporting test and evaluation for novel equipment trials and military exercises in the UK and internationally
• Delivering systems that monitor and protect critical national infrastructure
• Developing autonomous air, land, and maritime vehicles for military and humanitarian use
• Updating one of the world's only fully integrated naval architecture design and analysis tools

Additional Requirements

• Strong interest or experience in software engineering
• Some knowledge of at least one object oriented software language
• Work experience within computing or engineering industry is beneficial
• Hobbies in software engineering or computer science are beneficial
• Experience in Agile, Cloud, DevOps or embedded software is beneficial
• Lectures and on campus days require travel to Southampton (Solent)

Qualifications

Minimum of 104-112 points at A Level (Grades BBC) or equivalent (e.g., BTEC DMM), including Maths and a science subject.

At least a grade 5 (C) in Maths, IT, Science, English, and at least one other GCSE or equivalent.

Benefits

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms
• Coaching and mentoring
• 25 days annual holiday, excluding bank holidays
• Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
• Employee discount portal
• Employee assistance programme
• Employee led networks

Security & Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance, at a minimum. Eligibility information can be found at the UKSV National Security Vetting Solution - guidance for applicants.

Early Careers roles do not meet the legal threshold for candidates holding UK student visas. Eligibility for other immigration statuses should be verified with the recruiting team.