EDAS Software Engineer Review

My team and I collaborate to complete organised tasks throughout different stages of the software lifecycle, managed and tracked by project management software. I will either be handling important documentation like systems diagrams, requirements or design documents, or writing/ testing software relevant to a specific project.

I have developed many soft skills such as collaborative working and professional communication. My technical skills have grown from placement to placement, each of which providing me with hands on experience with new tech stacks. I have also had the opportunity to work with some hardware, teaching me to read wiring diagrams and construct wiring looms.

Enjoyment can vary from task to task, placement to placement. I enjoy the hands on technical experience and contributing to projects, but there can be a lot of less than interesting work to complete, as with any role in the software, and especially the aerospace and defence industry. Plenty of paperwork to fill out and draft, but it comes with the territory and provides important experience.

Overall the organisation is okay. My cohort had a fairly rocky start, with a distinct lack of skills coaches. This left our diploma completely unstructured and un-marked, which ensured we were behind in this area of our scheme. This has since been rectified with the hiring of a great skills coach. Sometimes changing placements can feel disorganised, as at times it feels like the team was not informed you were coming and may not have work for you.

Plenty. There is always someone to ask assistance from or complain to.

Hull University has been great at communicating when assistance was required with coursework or general queries.

The first two years at East Riding College covered the very very basics of software development, much of it being at almost GSCE level. These years did not provide much assistance to myself, but I can see how they may be useful to a newcomer in the software space. Hull University in the third year has been very useful with modules such as Safety Critical Systems, Distributed Systems, Machine Learning and Computational Science.

There are some good social events, the occasional sports event and many good opportunities to go to functions and represent the company whilst meeting new people in the industry.

Yes

You gain a diverse perspective of both the aerospace and defence industry and the software industry, whereby you can develop your technical and soft skills in a laid back but professional environment. There is plenty of support and whilst things can be disorganised at times, the company does what is required to rectify shortcomings.

There are plenty of good opportunities at BAE, so take every opportunity provided. You will get out what you put in. Max out your pension contributions and plan for the future, don't be afraid to network and meet new people. Almost everyone I have met here has been lovely and very helpful.