Graduate Software Engineer Review

Item: Graduate Software Engineer at BAE Systems
Rating: 4.4
Author: Anonymous

at BAE Systems

Graduate Scheme

Software Engineering

Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

4.4 /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!

4/5 - Overview of the Role

4.6/5 - Experience & Company Culture

5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?

Friendly and welcoming environment. Room for learning and growth as a graduate. Personally had a role that feels impactful.

What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?

Role and responsibilities include Task Management and Planning, Software development, Requirements validation and Issue Tracking, Testing and Verification, Documentation and Continuous Improvement.

To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?

5/5

I have had the opportunity to design and implement features for the artifact I am working on that are entirely my own creations, developed in line with a set of requirements. Seeing these features integrated into the final product gives me a strong sense of contribution and value, as I can see the direct impact of my work on the finished artifact.

How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?

3/5

My compensation package is fair in the sense that it aligns with the company graduate pay structure, which applies equally across all graduate roles. However, as a logical and performance-driven individual, I believe that workload, skill level and contribution can very significantly between individuals and roles. In the long term, I feel that a system that more directly reflects individual performance and responsibility would better recognise the value each person brings to their work.
That said, the wider benefits package - including the pension scheme, flexible benefits, and the share incentive plan - are great.

How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?

4/5

My role is helping provide a solid foundation in core software engineering principles such as requirements based development, configuration management and integration testing. I have gained experience working within a structured, process-driven environment which has helped me gain a understanding of LCM and traceability - all of which are valuable skills in any engineering context.
That said, the specific toolsets and technologies I use can be quite niche to the defence industry. While I'm gaining meaningful professional growth, I recognise that exposure to more widely used tools and frameworks would further strengthen my future career opportunities, particularly outside the defence sector.

How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?

4/5

My day-to-day role involves a significant amount of hands-on coding, which has allowed me to strengthen my core software engineering skills - including logical thinking, problem solving, debugging, and implementing software in line with requirements. These activities have given me a strong practice experience and more technical confidence. However, because much of my time is spent actively developing, it can be challenging to find dedicated time to broaden or deepen my understanding of wider computer science concepts that would further enhance my professional growth. Overall, though, I feel that my role is helping me develop the key technical and analytical skills required of a software engineer. It is worth stating that time can be set aside as a graduate to spend time on development each week.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?

5/5

Everyone I have come into contact with is willing to give you some of their time to support development, whether they are HR, Line managers, mentors or buddy's.

How is your work-life balance?

4/5

I have a good work-life balance. The company's flexible working policy, with core hours, allows me to manage my time effectively, and the ability to earn flexi times provides a healthy balance between workload and personal commitments. Finishing early on Fridays is also a great benefit that contributes positively to overall wellbeing.

What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?

4/5

The organisational culture is very welcoming, and colleagues are approachable and willing to support each other. The general atmosphere is collaborative, which makes it easy to ask questions and learn from others. Hybrid and remote working is available, providing flexibility, although there seems to be a gradual move towards reducing these arrangements. Overall, the environment feels inclusive and feels supportive.

How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?

5/5

From my experience, the company has been welcoming and fair, and I feel included and respected.

How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?

5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?

Yes

Why?

A great job that offers opportunities for professional growth and career development, including potential transitions into different roles. The company provides a strong graduate starting salary, a good pension scheme, and a supportive working environment. Its a good place to begin your career.

How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?

5/5

The work I do matches that of what I have learnt and developed at University. That being said, it does cover a broader range of computer science topics than I thought I would be exposed to in a role.