Software Engineering Graduate 2024

Start Date: September 2024

Duration of Programme: 2 years

Contract Type: Full time/Permanent

Closing dates for applications: 26th January 2024 to be considered for an assessment day in February. 

Requirements: We consider candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds. We will consider any candidate who demonstrates typical understanding. Candidates typically have degrees related to (but not limited to) Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, AI, Robotics, Machine Learning etc. 

Location: Hatfield, Welwyn and London. We also operate in a hybrid way of working, so there will be a mix of remote working and time in the office depending on the placement and business needs.

We’re looking for innovative and passionate graduates who can build towards our mission: changing the way the world shops for good with our incredible technology. If you are highly-motivated, innovative and embrace every opportunity to develop, the Ocado Group graduate programme could be a great fit for you! 

About us

Ocado Group is a technology-led, global software and robotics platform business with a strong retail heritage. As a pioneer in the online grocery market, we partner with some of the world’s largest forward-thinking retailers across the globe (including Kroger, Sobeys, Coles, AEON, Lotte, Alcampo, Groupe Casino and ICA, joining our UK partner Morrisons and the Ocado/M&S joint venture) and together we are transforming the global grocery landscape.

We continue to invest significantly in our technology and people in order to deliver for our current clients and forge exciting new partnerships. At the heart of our success lies our technological know-how and unparalleled IP. 

You can find more about the Ocado Group story here. 

The Software Engineering Graduate Programme

Our rotation scheme is designed to give you first-hand experience of a range of areas from Bot Software to Data Science. As a graduate, you will rotate through multiple departments during the two year scheme in four different six-month placements, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the business.

You'll work in teams across the Ocado Technology division, gaining knowledge and insight into the vast number of challenges. Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you can look forward to a long-term career with a huge amount of scope and knowledge from across the business.

Here are some of the areas you could be working in on the scheme

Bot Software & Hardware teams are at the cutting edge of product development. Our engineers focus on the successful delivery of next-generation bot software. We are a team that does what needs to be done, by identifying gaps in our current bot systems and working with talented engineers across our business to prototype and deliver quality products. We are working on niche projects, all contributing to the improvement of our robots.

The eCommerce department creates the eCommerce solution that powers the Ocado Smart Platform. From the secret sauce that drives our 35 million customer searches and product recommendations, to our market-leading delivery punctuality and order accuracy. Our Mobile teams work closely with our Web teams where we plan & participate in the development of our customer-facing, native iOS app, to be used by millions of people all over the world. Each team is cross-functional; comprising Android, iOS, and backend engineers, product managers, UX designers, and data scientists, to name a few, working together to deliver features to a high standard.

Our Fulfilment department develop the warehouse management system, high level control systems and GUIs driving our automated warehouses. Fulfilling customer orders with extremely high accuracy and market leading efficiency. Technical challenges range from very low latency realtime control systems, through performance optimised operator GUIs to high accuracy inventory tracking.

The Simulation and Visualisation team create simulations of Ocado's automated warehouses, used to both optimise control algorithms and robotic operations to increase the site performance and trial new hardware designs before physical construction.

Advanced Technology are responsible for working on novel projects that involve fast system prototyping and experimentation. The team is made up of software engineers, machine learning specialists and electronics engineers.

What are we looking for

• Having a real passion for quality coding and cutting edge technology
• Being a logical thinker
• Embodying a collaborative approach to projects
• Not being afraid to think outside of the box

Your development

We also have the Future Leaders Programme (FLP), designed to equip you with the essential soft skills to craft a career that works for you when you’re ready to roll off into the business.

Attending the FLP will help you tap into the culture and values that drive us forward as well as provide opportunities to connect and grow partnerships with your wider cohort across all of our schemes. Through the combination of this programme and your rotations across the business, you will grow the skills that accelerate your career at Ocado Group.

Application process

Our application process consists of four stages that allow you to showcase your abilities in different environments.

1. Online Application
2. Online Tests (Including coding test)
3. Video Interview
4. Virtual Assessment Centre

Benefits

Listed below are some of the most popular benefits that our employees enjoy.

• 15% discount and free delivery for all employees at ocado.com
• Hybrid working - where the roles allow it, our teams work together in the office, two to three coordinated days a week
• 25 days annual leave (plus optional to buy more)
• 30 days ‘working from anywhere in the world’ policy
• Free shuttle bus to and from Hatfield Train Station
• Generous pension and share schemes
• Private medical insurance
• Variety of discounts with other retailers including discounted gym passes, cinema and gadget deals 

Equal opportunities

Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status. Find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at Ocado here.

Be Bold, Be Unique, Be Brilliant, Be You.