What’s needed to be a software engineer at BAE Systems?

Software engineers are helping to shape the technology of the future and their work is more in demand than ever.

It’s a profession that requires a spark of creativity, superb problem solving and advanced technical skills. If you have these qualities, you could work across a wide range of industries, designing applications that change lives.

Take up a software engineer job at BAE Systems, and you’ll work on world-first security products which can have a global impact.

This article will explain more about the day-to-day duties of a software engineer and how you can pursue a career in this exciting role with us.

What is software engineering?

Software engineering is the development of applications, which improve people’s lives. From designing and building to testing and maintaining, the end result will be a digital product that empowers the user.

That end user could be a member of the public, a business or even a specially trained pilot. Whoever is using the software, you’ll help them to perform tasks faster, more effectively or at a lower cost.

Is software engineering just coding?

Writing code is a crucial aspect of software engineering but there are many other skills involved in this line of work. Software engineers must also be expert problem solvers, designers and analysts with an excellent attention to detail.

It’s vital that they have a clear picture of the end user’s needs long before any code is written. Once the software has been created, they need to do lots of testing and debugging to fine tune how it works.

What skills are needed to be a software engineer?

The key skills and knowledge you’ll need to be a successful software engineer include:

• Technical – Experience with programming languages and knowledge of a wide range of coding tools, used to build and test applications.
• Problem solving – The ability to identify and find solutions to complex problems.
• Creativity – Thinking outside the box to create something in a new way.
• Communication – Working well with clients, project managers and colleagues alike to devise a product that meets or exceeds the brief.
• Analytical thinking – Using testing data to work out how to maintain and improve applications further.

The typical pathway to becoming a software engineer is by undertaking a relevant degree at university. In this setting, your software engineering skills can be further refined, and your knowledge broadened.

Apprenticeships, such as those offered by BAE Systems, can also offer an alternative route into careers in software engineering. These are ideal for those who do not wish to go to university and they provide you with the chance to earn as you learn in an entry level role.

What kind of software engineers are most in demand?

Technology is constantly evolving, and so is the work of software engineers. Currently, there are various specialisations within the field, which are highly sought after. These include:

• Full stack engineers – Talented software engineers who are able to work on both the front end (what the end user sees) and the back end (server side) of applications.
• Cybersecurity engineers – They battle an ever-increasing range of cyber threats by creating software that protects vital systems and data.
• AI engineers – Experts in machine learning and data structures, they devise programmes that turn huge volumes of data into user-friendly insights.

Here at BAE Systems, we’re one of the world’s leading engineering employers, offering many software engineer job opportunities across the UK.

These range from apprenticeship and graduate engineer roles to vacancies more suited to experienced professionals, looking for an exciting step up in their career.

Our software engineers perform vital work, as we continue to develop our cutting-edge security products and services. This means that we’re always looking for new talent to help our team with new advances across air, land, sea and cyber.

As well as providing industry leading benefits, we’ll give you the chance to work on world-first technology breakthroughs. Together with a supportive team of experts, you can help to change the world that we live in, making it more secure for everyone.

Why join BAE Systems?

When you join us as a software engineer, you’ll become part of a team united in their purpose – to shape the security technology of the future and push the limits of what is possible.

If you want to make a meaningful impact in your everyday work and be rewarded with industry leading benefits, why not browse our latest software engineer jobs.

You might also want to find out more about life at BAE Systems or read our inspiring employee stories.