Associate Software Engineer Level II – Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Looking to kick-start your software engineering career with the UK Civil Service? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting 4 Associate Software Engineer Level II professionals to join its Digital team in Newcastle. This permanent opportunity offers an excellent salary, outstanding benefits, structured mentoring, and the chance to build automation solutions that improve services for millions of people across the UK.
Job Overview
- Position: Associate Software Engineer Level II
- Employer: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- Reference Number: 466943
- Job Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible Working
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
- Vacancies: 4
- Application Deadline: 11:55 PM (UK Time), Sunday, 12 July 2026
Salary
- £38,772 – £39,621 per year
- Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
About the Role
As an Associate Software Engineer Level II, you’ll join The Garage, DWP’s award-winning intelligent automation team responsible for delivering over 75 automation solutions and processing more than 50 million transactions over the last eight years.
You’ll receive structured mentoring from experienced software engineers while working on real-world software solutions using modern cloud technologies, APIs, automation, and AI.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop software features under senior engineer guidance.
- Write clean, maintainable, and tested code.
- Participate in code reviews.
- Fix software defects and bugs.
- Create and maintain technical documentation.
- Learn AWS cloud services and automation platforms.
- Work within Agile Scrum teams.
- Write unit tests.
- Collaborate with developers through pair programming and mentoring.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate experience or knowledge of:
- JavaScript/TypeScript
- Node.js
- Modern frameworks such as React, Next.js or Express
- SQL or NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL or MongoDB)
- Cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
- CI/CD pipelines
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Agile team collaboration
Technologies You’ll Use
- AWS
- GitLab
- Jira
- Confluence
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- MongoDB
- UiPath
- MacBook Pro devices
Employee Benefits
Successful candidates will enjoy:
- 25–30 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Learning and development programmes
- Industry-recognised certifications
- Coaching and mentoring
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee discounts
- Inclusive workplace networks
- Career progression opportunities
Hybrid Working
This role follows DWP’s hybrid working policy, with employees generally expected to work at least 60% of contracted hours in the office, subject to individual circumstances.
Selection Process
Applications include:
- Employment History
- Personal Statement (up to 750 words)
- Behaviour Statement – Working Together (250 words)
- Behaviour Statement – Communicating and Influencing (250 words)
Shortlisted candidates will attend a face-to-face interview in Newcastle.
Nationality Requirements
Applications are open to eligible candidates including:
- UK nationals
- Irish nationals
- Commonwealth citizens with the right to work
- Eligible EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
- Other applicants meeting UK Civil Service nationality requirements
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring software engineers to work on high-impact government digital services while receiving structured mentoring, exposure to modern cloud technologies, AI, automation, and excellent long-term career development within the UK Civil Service.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the UK Civil Service Jobs portal before