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Software Development Engineer Review

at BAE Systems

Graduate Scheme

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering

Prestwick, Ayrshire and Arran

Review Submitted: May 2026

Overall Rating

3.7 /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!

2.8/5 - Overview of the Role
4.6/5 - Experience & Company Culture
3/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
Slow to start as there were no roles actually available to start due to wifi infrastructure, no team there who did what we were starting and therefore a lot of time spent unstructured. Since being deployed and working with a team in England (or one delegated to guide us). The work uses legacy systems a lot so far which can be quite frustrating / mundane. When you zoom out, the work I am doing is really cool but can be difficult to see how it transfers without really contemplating it - especially to newer projects. Only been doing role for 5 months at this point. It is comfortable.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Creating software design documents for codebase of an avionics subsystem, will be updating code and testing functionality more in future. Ability to learn about avionics systems, albeit very high level and conceptually at this point.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
Limited scope for work which seems unimportant although necessary at this point (may improve over time)
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
Cost of living / housing is so high that wage feels like the lowest it could be without being too low. Especially since coming out of university with accrued debts. Once expenses are paid, still managing debt 1 year into scheme.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Legacy systems wont be used elsewhere. I like how I am learning about avionics systems but its very high level at this point, feels like it could be more challenging and technical rather than procedural.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
2/5
currently using legacy systems for document generation which is almost skill-less, and becoming less required in age of AI. May change as jobs that need done change.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
4/5
Even though I had shifted 5 different line managers within my first few months at company, most have been really helpful. Except ones assigned in different countries who were devolved from my journey. My current LM works with me now, who shares technical expertise in my role, and helps a lot with admin and guidance.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Purely due to my 45 minute travel either side of work and having to work 4 days a week in office it means mon-thurs is mostly revolved around work exercise dinner bed. This is most of the week, but it could be worse. Scotland travel links should be better.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
BAE Systems have an exceptional culture, values and atmosphere generally, exceeding expectations.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Fantastic.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Fantastic

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Not many other aerospace large employers. Hard to get a good engineering job these days. Fantastic culture that strongly promotes self development and opportunity. Cool work is done.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
Applied for Systems engineer but doing software development engineering. Vaguely similar via requirements and understanding of avionics systems. I do enjoy it though I hope it becomes more difficult and interesting as I gain experience.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Its worth taking the upfront payment as its tax efficient but dont spend it all as it reduces monthly payments over the year. If undeployed use time valuably to engage others for stretch roles, do existing stretch roles. Be enthusiastic as others like to see that. Make friends and build your network as there are great people in the business and it helps to have them, you never know when you'll like a favour. Also help others as much as you can. Think carefully how you will travel to work, and fund your life during grad scheme as it can be difficult as pay is not huge.
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