Accelerate Graduate - Manufacturing Engineering Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Engineering, Manufacturing
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
2.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
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Overview of the Role
2.4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
2/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
It's... Fine. Upper management is pretty poor and my job is a lot less technical than I'd like, but the work I do feels relevant and useful and I am learning a lot. My team are great.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Creating the build strategy for one major area of a large ship. I create assembly models and parts lists for planning to cost and schedule as work orders. I enjoy working very closely with tradespeople to gain a high-level understanding of so many different forms of manufacturing
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
I feel valued by my team and I have a lot of responsibility
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
2/5
My salary is fine but this year's pay deal was poor and there aren't a great number of other perks/benefits.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Learning from the trades has been incredibly valuable, but the siloed working of my team means networking is difficult and there isn't sufficient support for training or chartership in my department
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
3/5
I develop skills from working with others but I do not get much, if any, formal training and I do not get many opportunities to truly use or develop my technical knowledge from my degree
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
3/5
My line manager support is good. Senior leadership support is not. I do not have a mentor or buddy. My line manager is also not properly supported in managing an early careers hire.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Flexi time is great and half days on fridays are great
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
2/5
Senior leadership are constantly trying to scrap hybrid working. My team are great but there are a number of men known for their tempers or general unpleasantness that I have to deal with who never seem to face consequences for this.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
1/5
As a trans person I don't really feel safe being out in the workplace. There are no disabled or gender neutral facilities in my office building. Getting my reasonable adjustments honored has been a fight at every stage.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
2/5
Ultimately it's a weapons company. No level of community involvement will change that
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
No
Why?
I think there are a lot of issues with BAE both as an employer and as a business in general. I am pretty content in my job but considering world events I could not in good conscience recommend a defense job to anyone
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
2/5
Role I was given is not an engineering job as advertised
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
At least in my area, a lot of folks are working class and do not appreciate people being overly formal - be yourself, don't try to present a "cleaned up" version of you
Graduate Aerospace Integration Engineer
at BAE Systems
- Graduate Scheme
- Prestwick, Ayrshire and Arran
-
4.5
