2026 Graduate - Software & Controls Engineer – Cambridge
Company Description
We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.
As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.
Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.
We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.
Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.
PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.
Job Description
Power Your Curiosity at PA
Why considering joining us?
Joining us as a graduate is the next step in starting your career. Whether you’re coming from a specialist background or from an unrelated subject, we want you to be bold, stay curious and dive into the opportunities we have to offer.
1. We design and build software for real products and devices – some of the most innovative and life-changing imaginable.
2. We love a challenge and the ability to use our technical know-how and innovative thinking to find the best answers.
3. Our multi-disciplinary teams specialise in developing end-to-end products and devices, taking early-stage concepts through to complete product releases - and even to small volume production line scale-up.
What You Can Expect
Software for Real Devices
We are experts in developing best-in-class embedded software and firmware for cutting-edge products and devices across many industries, from small medical devices to large transport networks. For example, we developed the Oakdoor™ Data Diode to keep organisations safe from cyber-attacks. We have been working with Ori Biotech to accelerate the development of affordable cell and gene therapies, which is set to revolutionise the healthcare industry.
Cloud Integration and IoT Devices
We design and develop edge-processing software for embedded and bare-metal IoT devices, with cloud-integration as a key feature, to create end-to-end IoT solutions that have real business value. We work closely with our teams of digital engineers and data scientists to extract deeper insights from our data. We helped Water Source create a water purification system that can change the way people around the world access safe drinking water.
Advanced Image processing & Virtual Reality
We have expertise in high-speed image analysis and processing, as well as building systems that capture, interpret and use image data. We have built mixed-reality digital twins to improve how operators visualise information and remotely control hazardous systems. Using Microsoft’s HoloLens, we enhanced training modules for IMI Critical Engineering with augmented reality (AR) to give engineers a real-world experience of the products they’ll be maintaining.
Assessment process
First Stage Assessments:
* Application form
* Online Assessments
* Shortlisting and/or Technical Assessments
Final Stage Assessments:
* Assessment Centre with Technical Assessments
* Final Stage Interviews
The Offer
* Opportunity to write software for: Embedded devices, Cloud Integration, IoT, Advanced Image processing, VR, Safety Critical Software for Medical Devices, Defence, Transport etc
* Work on meaningful projects with talented people across a wide range of assignments
* Collaborate with talented, multi-disciplinary teams that provide insight into best practice software product development
* Your work will be based in our Global Technology and Innovation Centre in Melbourn, Cambridge
* Salary potential: £31,000 with an additional £3,500 transport allowance
* This role will start in Autumn 2026
Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree — studying towards, or completed an accredited STEM related degree
* Coding experience – Proficient programming skills, with experience in any of these languages: C++, Python, Rust, C or C# as well as familiarity with software development practices and tools, such as agile, version control, TDD, CI and virtualisation
* Growth-oriented and curious— open to change, driven to succeed, hungry for new challenges, and eager to broaden your understanding of the world apply new technical skills and rapidly acquire domain expertise. You will be able to think creatively and laterally, applying existing knowledge to new problems
* Collaborative and relationship-focused— thrive in dynamic teams, build strong relationships with clients and peers, and support others to succeed.
* Credible and communicative— comfortable in high-performance environments, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Analytical and adaptable— demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and the flexibility to adapt your style and approach. You will apply your engineering experience and knowledge gained through university, work or projects to help develop solutions to real-world problems
* Professional and reliable— show strong workplace etiquette by being punctual, dependable, and respectful of business expectations and office conduct.
* Additional technical experience – the following will also be beneficial but not essential:
o Commercial experience in software design, development or testing
o Knowledge or experience of a specific area of interest, for example: embedded software, sensors, IoT, cloud, robotics, VR/AR
We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today by completing our online application.
Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance. All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to any discrimination. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
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