Graduate Materials Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Material and Mineral Engineering
Barrow-in-Furness
Review Submitted: July 2026
Overall Rating
2.8 /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!
3.3/5
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Overview of the Role
2.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
1/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
The pay is good and the product is very cool, but the company is too large for its own good and is full of annoying red tape and bureaucracy. Good support networks and benefits but not for someone who wants anything fast paced.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I am a metallurgist specialising in corrosion. I provide SME advice and sign-offs to designers for each system. I also occasionally go onto the boat to inspect corrosion issues which is the best part of the job.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
There can be periods where work is lacking due to the reactive nature of the work we do. Even when there is work however, the managers in the team have an issue with delegating so it can be hard to contribute sometimes
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The salary is good for a grad. The flexi hours and half day Friday is good. But there aren't any other real benefits or bonuses to speak of.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Slowly learning but it requires constant pushing to get work and to get opportunities to learn which can be quite demoralising.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
3/5
Some formal training but the any development has to come from me instead of managers investing in my development
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
Lots of support available for early careers but sometimes it can feel more for show than to help
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
half day fridays and flexi hours are good. but with a commute and having to walk to the car park most of an evening can go. you have to get into the office by 7:30 most days to get a car parking spot
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
1/5
my department has been tainted by years of poor management and has been the centre of HR cases and cultural reviews. Everyone is very negative and against change or anyone trying to make improvements. The message is always no we cant instead of trying to figure out a way we can. People seem to only care about the work they do and are happy to push other people under the bus. Nobody is willing to go out of their comfort zone or to do anything quickly
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
2/5
limited to british nationals only for obvious reasons. seems to be a lot of show but not really any improvements
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
Lots of investment into the town, but improvements are yet to come to fruition
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
No
Why?
Whether you will be valued and enjoy your job depends on what department you are in. But in general this business is too big with too much red tape and a culture from the 60s across most of the site
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
1/5
I applied to Materials Engineering with a very generic job description and it wasnt until I arrived that I found that the department had no plan for me and essentially forgot I was coming. Nobody even came to meet me on my first day. The recruiters either were not aware of this or did nothing to supprot
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Keep this as a backup but apply for other places
