Technical Industrial Placement - Space, Defence & Intelligence

Position Description

Looking for a challenge? Excitement? Ready to apply your STEM skills to real-world problems from day one?

At CGI, our Early Careers opportunities put you in the driver’s seat of your future. As a Technical Industrial Placement, you’ll join the forefront of innovation in the Space, Defence & Intelligence sectors, contributing to groundbreaking projects that safeguard national security, push the boundaries of space exploration, and revolutionize intelligence systems. This is your chance to use your technical expertise to make a real difference.

The Role – Technical Industrial Placement - Space, Defence & Intelligence

With CGI, you’ll be trusted with responsibility from the start. Whether you’re coding complex software, optimizing cybersecurity protocols, managing next-gen infrastructure, or testing cutting-edge systems, your work will have a direct impact on mission-critical projects.

You'll have the opportunity to work on complex software systems, drive digital transformation, and implement cutting-edge technologies that make a real difference.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Empowerment through Innovation: From the very start you will play a key role in the development, testing, and delivery of technical solutions on our exciting SDI Projects.
• Collaborate and Create: Work with a team of tech experts to solve real-world problems, using your STEM background to drive innovation.
• Hands-On Experience: You’ll be part of a community that values respect, belonging and continuous development. With mentorship programs and access to learning resource, we’re committed to helping you thrive in your career.

Why Choose CGI’s SDI Sector?

For nearly 50 years, CGI has been a key player in Space, Defence & Intelligence, trusted by governments and global organizations to deliver solutions that drive innovation and protect critical infrastructure. You’ll be working on some of the most exciting projects in the world, including:

• Satellite Navigation Systems: Helping develop the European Space Agency’s Galileo system, providing critical positioning services to millions worldwide.
• Military Communications & Cybersecurity: Developing secure networks for the UK Ministry of Defence to safeguard national security.
• Space Exploration & Environmental Monitoring: Partnering with NASA and other agencies to contribute to earth observation satellites that monitor climate change.

Locations:

We recruit technical industrial placements into various locations across the UK. Our current Business Industrial Placement opportunities are in Bristol, Chippenham, Gloucester, Leatherhead (Surrey) or Reading.

As CGI is a consultancy, you may be required to work in different locations, so adaptability and a willingness to travel are key.

Why Join Us?

• Be Valued: You’ll be part of a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, where your unique perspective and ideas are recognised and contribute to the success of the team and the organisation.
• Be empowered: Start with a structured Early Careers Induction Programme, access 24/7 e-learning, and gain professional certifications to sharpen your expertise.
• Be Creative: Our Student Kick-start Initiative will give you the chance to work with fellow industrial placements on creative and impactful projects beyond your day-to-day role.

Benefits:

Along with a competitive salary and a £500 joining bonus , you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• Be an owner: All CGI Partners are offered a stake and say in the business with a 3.5% matched share scheme, making you an owner from day one.
• Be supported: Benefit from private medical insurance, well-being programs, and access to world-class training to ensure you succeed.
• Be secure: A competitive pension plan to help secure your future.
• Be connected: Take advantage of our free sports and social clubs, diversity networks, and local office events, helping you build connections and enjoy your time at CGI.

CGI is an unconditionally inclusive workplace where you are respected, your voice is heard, and you can be yourself. We were recognized in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2024 and named one of the ‘World’s Best Employers’ by Forbes magazine.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking individuals who are ready to take ownership of their career and are passionate about making a difference through technology and business. Whatever your degree subject if you’re eager to learn, collaborate, and innovate, we want to hear from you.

• Students on track to achieve a minimum 2:1 computer science, engineering, physics, maths, or a related STEM field.
• Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, project-based environment
• Passion for technology and innovation.
• Willingness to travel and work on projects across the UK.

Technical Skills

As great technical foundation with experience and/or knowledge of programming, problem-solving, data analysis or systems development would be beneficial for this role.

Including any of the following:

Programming Languages:

• Exposure to languages such as: C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, C#

Systems & Tools:

• Knowledge of or experience with any of the following:
  • Linux/Unix operating systems
  • Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
  • DevOps tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Version Control Systems (e.g., Git)
  • Machine Learning/AI technologies
  • Software Development: Understanding of software development methodologies, including Agile and DevOps practices.
  • Networking & Cybersecurity: Familiarity with networking protocols, firewalls, VPNs, and cybersecurity practices is a plus, especially in defence-related projects.
  • Database Knowledge: Skills in databases like SQL, NoSQL, or data analytics tool

Together, as owners, let’s turn meaningful insights into action.

Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you’ll reach your full potential because…

You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That’s why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and shape our company’s strategy and direction.

Your work creates value. You’ll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.

You’ll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You’ll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.

Come join our team—one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.