Job Title:
Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI

Location:
Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

Role Type:
Early Careers – Apprenticeship

Job Title: Software Engineering Apprenticeship

Job Location: Portsmouth

Salary: £27,150

Job Type: Permanent, Fulltime

Job ID: 20238

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:
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 who work across the air, land, maritime and space domains of the business. We use the latest software development technologies and techniques to develop innovative software solutions. Our Software Engineering teams are looking to recruit proactive, passionate and innovative people who are looking to help improve the way we work today & shape the solutions of tomorrow.

Our Software Engineering teams are composed of a wide variety of people from apprentices enrolled in the Early Careers programme through to our subject matter experts, software architects and technical leaders, and are drawn from a variety of STEM related backgrounds, with engineers, scientists and mathematicians represented amongst our ranks.

At QinetiQ, we develop a broad range of R&D, product and services projects from mission systems to simulation & training. Software Engineering encompasses everything from engineering embedded, real-time systems to developing cloud-based software services. We work in multidisciplinary teams to develop complex systems for cutting edge applications such as autonomous vehicles, high end cryptography and high precision satellite navigation. We’re involved in some of most challenging, high profile science and technology programmes in the UK and overseas.

Key Accountabilities:
What will I be doing?

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,

Developing updates for one of the world's only fully integrated naval architecture design and analysis tools,

Additional Requirements:
Have a strong interest and/or experience within Software Engineering.

Some knowledge of at least 1 object oriented software language.

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.

Training Provider:
Solent University, Digital and Technology Solutions: Software Engineer BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship - Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship (solent.ac.uk)

Lectures and on campus days will take place within the working week. You will need to travel to Southampton (Solent) for on-site activities.

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.

How to apply:
Please fill in the application and include both a CV and a covering letter.

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.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. Further guidance regarding clearances can be found: UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk )

Please also be aware that under immigration rules, our Early Careers roles do not meet the legal threshold for candidates who are resident in the UK on student visas.

Recruitment Process:
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

QinetiQ is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all background, come and be part of our team!

To find out more about Life at QinetiQ, please see the link: Life at QinetiQ

Closing date for new applicants: 26th June 2026