Graduate Synthetic Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Computer Systems Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: November 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!
4.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
I have really enjoyed my time at BAE so far. I feel like I'm in a supportive and challenging environment where I can continuously learn and gain skills for the future.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Software development for synthetic environments to verify requirements. I really enjoy the breadth of the work I do and the constant push to develop better working methods within my team.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Although it took a while to understand the purpose of my work, it became clear that what I am doing is truly meaningful and WSUMs and collaboration with my team give an idea of the wider context of our work.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
As an entry role with an additional support network - I believe this pay package with overtime is fair and reasonable. It enables you to try new things and learn in a safe environment. I do believe; however, that having the ability to earn raises earlier could be more motivating.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
The company has done very well at presenting the several different pathways to progress through the company. It encourages us to seek out mentors to give advise on career trajectory and I've now heard talks from several senior leaders on their career journeys. Aside from this the company offers lots of high quality training and stretching activities to build my expertise within synthetic engineering.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
If anything BAE provides "too much" training. I have been able to explore new ideas and delve into large problems which have tested my problem solving and collaborative skills.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
3/5
Whilst I feel my immediate support (Line Manager and Team) is very strong I feel BAE struggles sometimes with dealing with problems on a personal level. Issues that arise tend to take a long time to get fixed, usually because 3rd parties are involved and this can sometimes leave you feeling like a small cog.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
BAE offers flexible working hours making it easy to fit work around your life. With an overtime policy as well this means you can work longer hours if you need a little extra money for a holiday for example. One element that is challenging is that work tends to start very early 6-8 am which means your evenings may be a little shorter than you'd like.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
I think the company values are really effective making work enjoyable and not feel stagnant. Unfortunately the large size of the company means teams can sometimes be treated a little impersonally, but the company does go to efforts to minimise this.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
The company has many working groups that offer support and community for most angles of DEI. It also goes to efforts to make an inclusive culture with a zero tolerance policy to bigotry etc.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
The company is going to great lengths to work with the local council to improve the town, building a training centre in the middle and encouraging staff to support local businesses. Unfortunately as a major manufacturer the company somewhat struggles to deliver meaningful impact on climate related goals.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its a big company with a world of possibilities to work on complex and meaningful tasks.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
If anything, I was pleasantly surprised with how well I was placed within the company and I expected less from the company during recruitment. I do, however, feel I may have been lucky as some assignments don't work out for people and some end up with reactive jobs where they aren't always busy which can make work a bit slower.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Understand the companies core values and really think how you align with them when you are doing interviews. The on-boarding is quite long and at points tedious but it is worth it in the end!
