Graduate Software Engineer - Assessment Day 17th September

The Opportunity

We’re looking for ambitious Graduate Software Engineers to join us and help design technology that protects people and critical infrastructure around the world. We have two slots available for our assessment day which is happening on Thrusday 17th September.

From day one, you’ll be learning on the job, hands-on with engineering challenges and contributing to live projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Working alongside experienced engineers across mechanical, electronics and software disciplines, you’ll have the opportunity to build innovative technology and see ideas evolve from concept to deployed product.

If you’re passionate, driven and a self-starter who enjoys tackling complex problems, turning ideas into reality - this is a great opportunity to launch your career!

Who We Are

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Join a high-energy, collaborative team where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.

Here’s what our benefits have to offer:

Rewarding Success - Competitive salary plus a discretionary annual bonus of up to 25% of salary alongside a structured pay progression framework.

Enhanced Pension – Up to 8% employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.

More Time to Recharge – 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, long-service rewards, and the option to buy up to 5 extra days.

Breakfast & Lunch on Us – Enjoy team breakfasts and freshly prepared lunches every day courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.

Health & Wellbeing – Private healthcare and life assurance for added peace of mind.

Sustainable Travel – Salary sacrifice schemes, including EV car and Cycle to Work options.

Team Socials – Regular events, from quiz nights and football to board games and more.

Learning & Growth – A culture that empowers you to challenge, grow and make an impact, plus a £250 annual learning budget to invest in the development that matters most to you.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Build real technology: Design and test systems that combine mechanical, electronics and software engineering.
• Solve technical challenges: Investigate problems, develop ideas and help turn concepts into robust products.
• Test and validate designs: Create test plans and analyse results to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with engineers from different backgrounds to deliver complete systems.
• Work with industry-standard tools: Gain hands-on experience using professional engineering software, design platforms and development environments used across industry.
• Keep learning: Build your technical skills while being supported by experienced engineers.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• A degree (Must have graduated by June 2026) in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or Software Engineering.
• A genuine passion for engineering and technology.
• Evidence of hands-on experience, whether through university projects, internships, competitions or personal projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a curious mindset.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.
• Attention to detail and a desire to produce high-quality work.

Desirable (in any of the following areas)

• Technical Skills Programming/software development, simulation and modelling with experience using C++
• Strong experience gained from extra curricular activities related to robotics, rocketry or other engineering projects.
• An interest in defence, autonomy or high-performance systems.

Security Vetting Information

OpenWorks Engineering operates within the defence sector. As part of our recruitment and onboarding processes, we collect information that may be required to support future security vetting and clearance requirements, should these become necessary during employment.

More About Us

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people

We Get It Done: Focus on what matters and work with energy to bring ideas to life