Graduate Mechanical Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Mechanical Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
4.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
I completed an Industrial Placement during my university course that helped me decide how to use my degree. Regarding the mechanical engineering discipline, everything is intended to make well-rounded engineers with a strong understanding of the business as a whole by the time you graduate off the scheme, ensuring you are capable in your knowledge to do your job.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I complete calculation regarding the welding of the auxiliary pipelines on the ship and several different system schematic updates. Additional changes to systems to improve functionality or reduce cost are submitted and then justified to other engineers.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Due to the nature of the job, even the smallest seemingly insignificant thing will impact the project as a whole.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Great package, just need to ensure you get in before the window closes for the year.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Everything is to make you a better engineer when you graduate. We receive lectures from different departments regarding the work they complete to create a vivid image on how all the different departments work together to complete the project.
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
Improving communication, technical skills for CAD software.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
It is made clear from the start that there is always someone to talk to, you might just need to take the initiative yourself.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The work is difficult but as long as you leave it in the office, watch your hours, it's manageable. This does depend on the department.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The atmosphere in every office will be slightly different, however there is always someone to talk to.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
During my industrial placement, I completed a job to install visual fire alarms in the offices as a new hire had hearing problems that would prevent them from being aware of the fire alarms.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
For the graduate social events, majority revolve around drinking which does not apply to me. The Christmas and Summer inter-departmental social nights are great.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I am not aware of any other graduate schemes where the career path is made so clear so early on. With everything they do to develop you into a successful engineer, seeing a clear path and being helped there is very beneficial.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
Wasn't entirely sure of which department I would get, but given the option of 3 to express my favourite.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
The recruitment is the most complicated part, everything else is smooth sailing. The first two weeks of the graduate scheme is onboarding that gives you a greater understanding of what you should expect, and what the company expects from you.
