Tell us about your role.
My role as a software engineer is to design, create, and maintain software solutions for our clients so they can do their job more effectively. During my two years at Leidos, since joining as a graduate, I have spent the majority of my time writing code and designing software architectures, which I love. I have also been involved in setting up some of our development infrastructure and managing our dedicated servers, ensuring that we have the necessary tools to do our job.
Aside from knowledge of software design and programming languages, general problem solving skills and attention to detail are absolutely essential in my role. The ability to learn and adapt quickly are also very important due to the rapid change in technology.
I work in a small team of five people, which creates a relaxed and helpful environment where we are able learn from one another and easily discuss any issues. This is reflective of the organisation as a whole, although, as the projects that Leidos is involved in are quite varied, there is little interaction between project teams except at organisational events.
What do you like most about your role?
Leidos is a large company and therefore has a wide range of different projects and customers, each at a differing stage and involving differing technologies. This means there is always something new and interesting going on, which is exciting to be a part of and provides constant challenges due to the ever changing technologies that we get to use.
One of my favourite things about being a software engineer is getting to design the software architecture and solving problems for the first time. I also enjoy learning new program languages and dealing with technologies that I have never used before. I know that this is the right job for me because I still want to write software in my free time, even after a tough work week.
What's your background?
I grew up in a small country town and spent most of my youth playing a variety of sports. I have also always had an interest in software and computers and while still in primary school I decided that I wanted to study software engineering when I went to university.
Whilst at university I spent a semester abroad in California, which was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend studying abroad to anyone to if they get the chance. My university course provided the opportunity for a yearlong Industry Experience Placement, which I took, and spent the year working for a government defence technology organisation.
Travelling is something I really enjoy, I aim to go overseas at least once a year, and I have already visited every continent except Antarctica as well as every Australian capital city.
Words of advice
The Leidos recruitment process I went through was a bit longer than your typical job application as it involves a series of stages. I found the process was fairly engaging as it includes an online skills test game and a video interview. It was also good to receive feedback at each stage and know that you were being shortlisted and making it to the next step.
My advice for anyone looking to join Leidos would be to make sure you are aware of the security clearance requirements and also that it is more important to focus on general skills rather than becoming and expert at a single language or technology. For anyone still studying my advice would be to get involved in as many aspects of university life as possible (clubs, weekend trips, studying abroad, etc). Also forge good relationships with your lecturers and course coordinators as it will open up more opportunities and lead to discussions and general advice.