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Graduate Structures Engineer Review

at BAE Systems

Graduate Scheme

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

Warton, Lancashire

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

3.6 /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!

4.3/5 - Overview of the Role
4/5 - Experience & Company Culture
2/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
Very positive - I really enjoy working for the company. Varied workload and lots of interesting projects.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Ability to get involved in practical testing.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
Rather slow start at beginning of scheme but eventually given more responsibility as I developed in the role.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Very competitive salary, employee shares scheme, pension, and other benefits.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
Have gained a lot of valuable experience and built a network that should continue to support me throughout my career.
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
Various training opportunities, both within the company and with external companies and academia.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
4/5
Early Careers team have been pretty good day-to-day, and have definitely made a positive difference when additional support required.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Flexi-time and hybrid working generally well-received across business, not just amongst graduates and apprentices. Nature of work necessitates having a clear demarcation between home life and work.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
Supportive team, clearly defined company values, and trade union presence across company.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Haven't had any negative experiences personally, but areas such as Manufacturing and Maintenance are still rather homogeneous.
Employee Resource Groups and other steering groups are fantastic - I'd encourage anyone pursuing a career at BAE Systems to get involved with at least one.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Various community outreach initiatives - schools, veteran charities, net zero initiatives, site biodiversity, etc.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Have had a positive experience overall, despite some challenges. Strong sense of community and shared understanding of the work that the company does.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
2/5
I wasn't recruited in the standard way - I was offered a place on the Graduate Scheme after completing an Industrial Placement Year at the company. It was never made particularly clear what the scheme would actually entail until I returned to the company after completing my final year at uni.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be aware that the role you apply for (e.g. Airframe Engineer) might not be exactly where you're placed - decisions mainly based on business need rather than skillsets and experience.
In This Review
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