Co-op Summer 2025 - Software Developer - 8 Months

As a Software Developer Co-op at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, you will engage in a variety of responsibilities, including assisting in the design, analysis, and testing activities under the mentorship of seasoned engineers. You’ll be involved in documenting technical analyses, maintaining code to meet software requirements, and developing integration tests. Your role will also include providing technical support during high-level testing and presenting your work in design reviews.

To qualify for the Co-op Summer 2025 Software Developer position at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, applicants should be pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical degree. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential. Additionally, obtaining Canadian Security Clearance is a requirement.

A successful Co-op Software Developer at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada should have a solid foundation in software development principles, programming languages, and tools. Having analytical skills to troubleshoot and debug code is crucial. Moreover, familiarity with Agile methodologies and effective communication abilities are key to collaborating with professional teams and contributing to projects successfully.

The hybrid work model for the Co-op Software Developer position at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada includes a combination of on-site and remote work. You’ll be required to work on-site three days a week, fostering in-person collaboration with your team while enjoying the flexibility of working from home on other days. This approach supports work-life balance and allows for more personal and professional development opportunities.

During your co-op experience as a Software Developer at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, you can expect to gain substantial hands-on experience in the software engineering field. The program emphasizes mentorship, networking with experienced professionals, and exposure to real-world projects that contribute to your overall learning and career growth. You will be part of a team that encourages innovation and supports your journey toward a successful career.

In answering this question, share your knowledge of the phases of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Highlight any experience you have in these areas, particularly how you have participated in or contributed to any of these phases during your studies or previous projects.

Discuss your approach to time management, emphasizing tools and techniques you use to prioritize your workload. Mention methods like the Eisenhower Matrix or Agile task boards, and if possible, provide examples of when you had to balance multiple projects simultaneously, detailing the outcome.

Be specific about the programming languages you are most familiar with, such as Java, C++, or Python. Give examples of projects or academic assignments where you utilized these languages, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and how you leveraged language features to achieve project goals.

Present a specific instance where you faced a programming challenge. Walk through the problem, the analysis you conducted, the steps you took to resolve it, and the final solution. This showcases your problem-solving capabilities and resilience in the face of obstacles.

Talk about your understanding of Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum. Discuss any practical experience you have with Agile principles, including sprints, stand-ups, or retrospectives. If you’ve worked on a team that used Agile practices, provide an example of how it influenced project outcomes.

Mention widely-used version control systems, such as Git. Discuss how you’ve used these tools to manage code changes, collaborate with team members, and maintain the integrity of software projects. Emphasize the importance of version control in team workflows to avoid conflicts and track changes.

Express a positive attitude towards feedback. Explain how you view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. Share an example of a situation where you received feedback, how you incorporated it into your work, and the benefits that resulted from that process.

Show your enthusiasm for General Dynamics by reflecting on the company's values, projects, or commitment to innovation and teamwork. Ensure to link your career goals with what the company stands for, illustrating how this aligns with your aspirations for your co-op experience and future career.

Choose a group project from your academic experience or previous internships. Describe your role, the objectives of the project, and how you coordinated with team members. Emphasize communication, conflict resolution, and how teamwork contributed to achieving the project goals.

Focus on skills or knowledge areas you wish to develop further, such as specific programming languages, software engineering practices, or insights into the technology industry. Articulate how you believe this co-op experience will enhance your capabilities and prepare you for your career.