Roke Academy

Become a Software Developer with Roke

Apply today to become a Software Engineer at Roke where you'll be paid to train in the skills you need to make the world a safer place.

£30,000 Per Annum Starting Salary - Manchester - Office Based

Recruitment, done differently

Be part of something that changes our world for the better. The Roke Academy aims to uncover aspiring Software Developers with longevity in other careers, and empower them with the right skills through a salaried training programme before transitioning into their full-time roles at Roke.

All you need to do is apply, and then complete our digital skills assessment today (that’s right, no CVs here) and consider your application made. No prior workplace experience is required, or even relevant study.

Your recruitment and assessment provider

About Hatch

Hatch exists to solve the digital skills gap and drive positive social change.

We don’t necessarily believe in CVs. We believe in uncovering potential. And matching people with the opportunities that empower them to fulfil their potential. Because whilst experience doesn’t always guarantee skill, the reverse is just as true.

Your Employer

About Roke

Roke is a leading UK innovator in science and engineering. For over 60 years we’ve been improving the world through innovation by combining the physical and digital in new ways. We create technologies and products to solve real world technical challenges and help deliver critical missions for our customers.

What they're looking for

Roke is as interested in your skills, attitude, thinking & enthusiasm as in your credentials, which is why you won’t see us asking for your CV. Instead, prove your software skills through a short online assessment, and consider your application made.

Working at Roke

What will my role at Roke look like?

Roke delivers advanced research, development services and products to high profile customers who come to Roke with varied and challenging problems to solve. Your projects will be diverse, applying your skills to deliver impact for our clients, from research to rapid prototypes through to agile operational solutions. Consequently, Roke is looking for individuals able to work across projects in different domains.

Beyond your technical skills, Roke expects you to thrive from working with world-class scientists and engineers, be technically curious, and always wanting to develop your skills, knowledge and networks. You will be proactive and able to communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Do you have what it takes? Getting started is as easy as 1, 2, 3 - (and 4, 5 & 6).

If you’re passionate about working in technology, want to bring your existing life skills into a new environment and have a willingness to learn, we’re looking for you.

01

Digital Skills Assessment

We look for transferable skills over credentials. No CVs here. If you think you have what it takes, register for the short (we promise) online assessment and that’s your initial application made!

02

Virtual Webinar

Once you’ve registered for the opportunity, you’ll be invited to join one of our bi-weekly virtual webinars where you can meet the Hatch team, hear from senior leaders at Roke and learn more about this programme’s requirements.

03

Interview & Hire

If you’re successful in the digital skills assessment, you’ll be invited to a short preliminary interview with the Hatch team. On successful application to the training programme you will start life as a Roke employee with a competitive salary plus pension for the duration of the training programme and your ongoing employment

04

Academy Phase One: Technical Skills

(13 Weeks – Salaried Training)

The first phase of your training will develop all the skills for success as a Software Developer at Roke.

05

Academy Phase Two: Embedded L&D

(11 Weeks – Salaried Training)

The second phase of your training will see you apply the skills you’ve already learnt to live projects and solving known business problems.

06

Full deployment

On satisfactory completion of the training programme you will receive a salary review and enrolment into a generous benefits package.

What kind of skills are needed to apply?

Due to the nature of this position and the projects you’ll work across, Roke will require you to be eligible to achieve at least DV (Developed Vetting) clearance. As a result, you should be a British Citizen and have resided in the UK for the last 10 years for DV clearance. The clearance vetting process will take place over the course of your training programme and will be managed by Roke.

While Roke is always looking for world-leading engineers and experts, they’re as interested in your skills, attitude, thinking and enthusiasm as your grades, work experience and certifications. Below you’ll find an overview of the skills & behaviours best suited to becoming a Software Engineer at Roke. Don’t worry if you can’t tick all the boxes, so long as you’re passionate, we’ll help you unleash your full potential.

Technical Skills & Experience

Behavioural skills

Curiosity & a willingness to never stop learning
Self-awareness & humility
Resilience, adaptability & focus
Customer-centric with a commercial appreciation
Strong team-working, delegation & time management
Reliable & dependable

You have the questions, we have the answers

How long does the assessment take?

Not long at all! The assessment will only take up to 45 minutes. However, you must be prepared to complete the assessment without pausing once you have begun. Once you have registered via this page, you will be taken directly to the assessment. If you’re not able to complete it at the time you apply, an e-mail link to the assessment will be sent to the e-mail address used to make the application.

Is this a training programme or a job application?

Quite simply, it’s both! If successful at assessment and interview, you’ll be hired by Roke and placed on to a salaried training programme to learn all the skills you need to succeed at the business.

Will I be paid?

Reflecting your existing life skills and competencies, the Roke Academy programme will pay you a salary of £30,000 plus enrolment into the pension scheme.

Does my location matter?

Yes, the working locations will be at Roke’s offices in Manchester. Please consider this before making your application – ideally you should live within reasonable, commutable distance.

How long does the programme last?

The training programme will last 24 weeks in total, set over two phases of 12 weeks each. Once your training is completed successfully, you’ll be deployed into your full-time role at Roke.

What do I have do do in the assessment?

The digital skills assessment will be a blend of multiple choice and free text response questions. The assessment will also take no longer than 45 minutes of your time.

How do I know it's for me?

Join one of our bi-weekly virtual webinars to find out more about this opportunity and exactly what’s involved in being a Software Enginner at Roke.