BAE Systems Graduate Opportunities 2024

Company Company Profile

BAE Systems helps to protect people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. It’s a culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and is a place where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what their background.

With a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries, at BAE systems we’re committed to nurturing talent and striving for excellence; empowering our people to drive innovation, make the right decisions and solve complex challenges.

Sound like the place to launch your career? Join us now, and play your part in the next phase of our story.

BAE Systems is a place you can secure and build a career that’s truly yours with the training, coaching and boundless opportunities to achieve your ambitions. With a huge range of roles, from engineering and technology, to project management, manufacturing, consultancy, and finance - or wider business disciplines - you’ll be given the responsibility to make a real impact, from day one. It’s a career you can be proud of, in a team that’s shaping a safer tomorrow.

With a graduate starting salary of £34,000, welcome bonus and opportunities nationwide; as a BAE Systems graduate or undergraduate, you’ll grow your network and learn alongside some of the brightest minds.

When you join us, you’ll be choosing a future enhanced by flexibility, innovation and inclusivity – somewhere your work matters. It’s a supportive, collaborative culture where you’ll be given every opportunity to build a varied career, and be empowered to achieve your potential.

Your future, secured.

Find out more: baesystems.com/graduates

Case Studies

Name: Sam
Role: Graduate Electrical Engineer
University: University of Sheffield
Degree: BE in electrical and electronic engineering

I really do learn something new all the time. All the different systems that I work on are at the forefront of innovation... I get to cover such a broad range of work.

Description:

Sam is a graduate electrical engineer, working on submarines in Barrow-in-Furness.

‘I graduated with a BE in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Sheffield and started with BAE Systems straight out of uni, joining as a graduate electrical engineer.

I’m currently working in the submarine sector. It sounds like a cliché, but I really do learn something new all the time. All the different systems that I work on are at the forefront of innovation, and I get to learn about different standards of communication and technologies that aren’t used anywhere else but in submarines. My favourite thing about the job is that I get to cover such a broad range of work across the electrical engineering department, combining practical work with understanding the theory behind it. I really enjoy working with all the other people in my team – everyone I’ve worked with has always been supportive and there to help me.

The work-life balance here is great. We do work hard as a team to get the job done, but there is flexibility in our working week. With flexi-hours we can finish at 12.30 on Fridays. And if I need to leave early to get something done in the afternoon, I can come in early and finish early. I have so much free time to use – which means I get to spend more time with family and friends and on my hobbies outside of work.

Loads of social activities are organised for us – not only is the social life great, but knowing my colleagues really well also helps us work together as a team. A lot of the grads I started with play different sports together every Tuesday and Wednesday, and I also play sport with the team in my office on Mondays.

We’re given lots of responsibility from the get-go - in my first few months, I was given the opportunity to work in different labs and on lots of different systems. There’s constant support and reassurance, and that’s really boosted my confidence and has ensured I’m able to progress and develop quickly.'

Name: Simone
Role: Graduate Electrical Engineer
Degree: Electrical and electronic engineering

I love the flexibility that I get within my team … I’m a STEM ambassador which means I get to talk to school kids about STEM, help onboard new graduates, and hopefully inspire other young women to work in STEM.

Description:

Simone is a graduate electrical engineer, working on submarines in Filton.

‘I studied electrical and electronic engineering as an undergraduate, followed by a master’s in Sustainable Energy Entrepreneurship. When I saw the graduate programme advertised, there were specific electrical and electronic engineering roles available close to my home near Bristol, so the opportunity was perfect for me.

I've been at BAE Systems since autumn as a graduate electrical engineer, working in our submarine sector. I’ve been able to follow my passions of engineering and sustainability and apply my education to developing cutting-edge technology. I find it interesting that we’re working on something that’s so future-focussed and I’m excited to see how it might turn out. It gives me a real sense of pride to contribute to protecting the country alongside the submarines team and the Royal Navy.

I love the flexibility that I get within my team – I get to work the hours that suit me and work from home when I need to.Being in a team that respects and supports each other’s personal needs and commitments is really important to me. Having work-life balance is good for everyone’s wellbeing and helps me with travel and to live my life outside of work.

Many of the work friendships I’ve made started with a two-week immersion at our Head Office, which was a great opportunity for all of the graduates to meet and get to know each other. It was clear from the beginning that there’s a very supportive culture at BAE Systems – we try our best for each other at work but also take the time to socialise. And the other engineers in my team are always there for me when I need help.

Hopefully in the future I’ll have the chance to travel to America or even Australia. There are extra-curricular opportunities too – I’m a STEM ambassador which means I get to talk to school kids about STEM, help onboard new graduates, and hopefully inspire other young women to work in STEM. Training within the team is excellent - already I’ve been to a week-long training event in Birmingham which was very interesting and helpful to my role and future career. There is also the opportunity to apply to work at different sites, so moving around to different towns and cities is made easy.

Everyone I’ve met has been so open and helpful, and the early careers team have made me feel so welcome.'