BAE Systems

BAE Systems 2026/7 graduate opportunities

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At BAE Systems we’re proud to be pioneers in our industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. As one our graduates you can play a crucial role in creating a secure future for generations to come.

Accelerate your career by choosing a BAE Systems graduate or undergraduate programme, where your unique skills and perspectives will be valued and integral to producing some of the most groundbreaking technology in the world. You’ll gain limitless opportunities and the support you’ll need to shape your future, as you shape the future for everyone.

 

Choose the right graduate opportunity for you

Whether you are looking for a career straight out of university or looking to change your career, you will join an inclusive and collaborative team launching your career at the forefront of innovation. Joining the BAE Systems graduate programme will equip you with lifelong skills across a variety of areas including engineering, technology or business. Our non-rotational graduate programme varies in duration and structure. 

 

What are the benefits?

As a graduate, you can expect a starting salary of £34,000 + £2,000 welcome payment & an optional 20% salary advance.

 

Engineering:

Finalists, postgraduates and career changers, create innovative, cutting-edge products and services.

We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions and protecting the future through cutting-edge technology. You can join us and play your part in creating bold, revolutionary products and services , challenging the status quo and driving the future of engineering.

You will be part of a team that are driven by a passion for developing world-class security products; with ground-breaking technology. We have, a collaborative culture and endless opportunities alongside a work environment that fosters continuous development and provides you with the experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive engineering landscape

 

Technology

Finalists, postgraduates and career changers, be at the forefront of new and emerging technology.

We are at the forefront of technological innovation, continuously striving to pioneer new solutions that protect our future. You will have the opportunity to work on advanced, technology-led defence, and security solutions for our customers across the globe. You will work on transformative projects that push the boundaries developing game-changing technologies, to help shape a more secure future for us all.

No matter where your tech skills lie, you'll find rewarding work creating pioneering solutions to complex challenges. Wherever you choose to start your career – whether that’s as a systems or cyber security engineer, or even a data scientist – there’s a role here where your talent can shine.

 

Business Services

Finalists, postgraduates and career changers, maintain operational excellence to ensure we stay one step ahead.

We are not just shaping the future of engineering; we are building a legacy of innovation, sustainability and excellence. As a graduate in our Business Services team, you will have a vital role in being at the forefront pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and driving transformational change. The scale of BAE Systems means you will gain invaluable experience working alongside experts in the field, contributing to projects that have a real-world impact. We deliver the most complex programmes and solutions to our clients all over the globe. This demands business services teams with roles as varied and as specialised as they are essential.

From people to processes, roles span procurement, project management, finance and marketing to name a few. All are united by the aim to enhance business, improve efficiency and sustainability whilst empowering you to protect and enhance capabilities, all while pushing the limits of what’s achievable.

Every day you’ll be applying your expertise and growing your career within a supportive network and a flexible programme of learning.

 

What we're proud of

#23 in The Times Top 100 UK Graduate Employers, 2025

#6 most attractive engineering, design and manufacturing employer in Cibyl Research UK graduate study, 2025

#4 best engineering student employer in RateMyPlacement 2025 rankings, UK

#2 most attractive employer for engineering students in the Universum UK rankings, 2025

 

Recognised by the people who know us best

BAE Systems has been named a Glassdoor Best Places to Work winner - based entirely on anonymous reviews from our colleagues. It’s a reflection of a workplace where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive and our commitment to continuously improving the experience for everyone who joins us.

 

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.'

Training & profiles

Choose the right undergraduate opportunity for you

Our industrial placement and summer internship opportunities for 2026 are now closed and will reopen in September. In the meantime, explore our other opportunities such as insight experiences, or join our talent community to be the first to hear when they go live.

Our undergraduate placements offer a valuable first step in your career enabling you to gain practical, hands-on experience at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. You will get first-class mentoring from inspiring people as well as have the ability to work on high-profile projects. Successful placements can often lead to graduate opportunities.

What are the benefits?

As an undergraduate, salaries start at £24,300 pro rata.

Industrial Placements

We tackle complex problems to build real solutions, harnessing and building on our people’s skills to help keep our world safe.

By joining one of our 6 or 12 month programmes you’ll get hands-on experience working towards these solutions and finding new advancements. Collaborating across expert teams to build your knowledge and kick-start your career.

So why wait to graduate? Join BAE Systems and be part of something bigger.

Summer Internships

Want to get the inside track on what it'd be like to work on some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions? Gain practical experience and expert insight you can take with you on the next step of your career journey. Our 12-week internships will put you at the heart of it all.

Insight Experiences

Thinking about applying for one of our graduate programmes but need to trail it first? Try one of our graduate insight experiences which gives you first-hand experience of what life at BAE Systems is really like and the opportunity to meet our inspiring people as well as ask any questions.

 

 

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FAQs

Nationality limitations

We're committed to recruiting in the most inclusive way possible so we can welcome top talent from all kinds of backgrounds to our team.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Click here for more information on national security vetting levels.