Software Engineering Intern (12-month Placement) Abingdon 2022

Sophos is a worldwide leader in next-generation cybersecurity, protecting more than 500,000 organizations and millions of consumers in more than 150 countries from today’s most advanced cyberthreats. Powered by threat intelligence, AI and machine learning from SophosLabs and SophosAI, Sophos delivers a broad portfolio of advanced products and services to secure users, networks and endpoints against ransomware, malware, exploits, phishing and the wide range of other cyberattacks. 

Sophos provides a single integrated cloud-based management console, Sophos Central – the centerpiece of an adaptive cybersecurity ecosystem that features a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity vendors. Sophos sells its products and services through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos has major hubs around the globe. More information is available at www.sophos.com

The role

Sophos is a next-generation IT security vendor that has stayed at the forefront of the industry by understanding the threat landscape, changing business needs and customer challenges. We are constantly looking for ways to revolutionise how security technology interacts with the user, and have a penchant for solving complex and challenging technical problems in a creative and innovative manner.

We are searching for the brightest and most creative undergraduates, who want to kick-start a career in IT Security, to join our Software Engineering internship programme for their year in industry at our global headquarters.

Sophos prides itself in developing top talent and providing an environment where you can learn and develop your skills and career alongside some of the world’s leading software engineers. 

What we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll be passionate about software development, and keen to use your programming and scripting skills, your innovative ideas and your problem-solving talent to help the team develop the best security products in the world. You’ll feel at home within an Agile team with its open communications, pair programming, commitment to quality and focus on getting things done.

What you should expect

Every intern at Sophos is treated as a full member of one of our Engineering teams, expected to show the same level of commitment as our permanent staff, and receive equivalent opportunities as a result.  We will provide all of the necessary support to enable you to succeed in contributing directly to the high-quality products that we release to our customers.

You will typically be exposed to the full project lifecycle, contributing at all stages, and pairing with our experienced engineers during the agile development phase.

We usually take on a group of interns each year and, along with our graduate recruits, find that there is an active social scene amongst them.  Oxford is close by, offering the nightlife expected of a student city, and there is a leisure centre alongside our headquarters for those with an interest in sports.  We also have occasional on-site events, recent examples include karting around the staff car park, movie nights, and our own music festival!

There may also be opportunities for permanent employment with Sophos following graduation, for the highest performers amongst our industry placement students.  We consider the internship programme as an investment in potential future employees, so strive to make it the best experience for you and expect the same commitment back.

Main responsibilities

• Write product code along with test automation to deliver against project timescales, quality and requirements
• Effectively contribute during pair programming to deliver tasks as required by the agile team
• Contribute to daily stand-ups, kick-offs, collaborative estimation and retrospective meetings
• Participate in the design of products in line with asset technical strategy, quality and functionality requirements
• Actively contribute to release planning and drive for high-value, high-quality solutions meeting business needs
• Participate in security reviews of new developments to ensure that released products comply with Sophos’ security requirements and industry best practice
• Other duties and responsibilities as directed

Experience and skills

Essential

• Experience in developing code in any language
• Ability to learn new skills quickly and apply them to the role
• Natural problem solver who enjoys being challenged
• Able to work autonomously whilst working collaboratively within the wider team environment
• Interpersonal communication style, a natural relationship builder who uses these skills to deliver
• Currently completing a BSc in Computing or other numerate disciplines, or equivalent experience

Desirable

• Development using C++ or Java
• Scripting using Python
• Experience of working within Agile development methodologies
• Knowledge of virtualization platforms
• Experience with automated regression testing

Special Conditions:  This internship is a year-long placement to commence following completion of your 2nd year in June/July 2022, it is not a Summer intern placement.  Candidates can only be considered if they are able to commit to the full year.

What’s great about Sophos?

• Our people are what makes Sophos special – we demonstrate shared vision, talent, innovation, and creativity, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit.
• Employee-led diversity and inclusion groups that build community within Sophos and provide internal education and advocacy (eg. Sophos Women in Tech group to improve gender parity, encourage gender-balanced leadership, and support career progression at Sophos)
• Sophos Environment Network and employee challenges to contribute to sustainability and reduce our environmental footprint
• Annual commitment to charity and fundraising across our global sites and volunteer days for employees to give back to local communities
• Global trivia competitions to keep our minds sharp
• Global Mental Health days off work for all Sophos to help employees relax and recharge
• Monthly employee wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing
• Employee rewards and thanks, such as our free annual subscription to Calm

Our commitment to you

We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity.   We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants that can contribute to the diversity of our team.  All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief, colour, age, military veteran status, disability, pregnancy, maternity or sexual orientation.  We want to give you every opportunity to show us your best self, so if there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.

Data protection

If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos. If you would like Sophos to delete or update your details at any time, please follow the steps set out in the Privacy Policy describing your individual rights. If you have any questions about Sophos' data protection practices, please contact dataprotection@sophos.com.