Graduate Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
New Malden
Review Submitted: June 2026
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
3/5
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Overview of the Role
4.6/5
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Experience & Company Culture
3/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
Good - the company is well-established and offers excellent opportunities for networking and career development. However, there are vast pacing/workload issues across the business as some teams have exciting work and others have barely anything to do. The graduate scheme provides lots of support but inside the business, teams often exploit the funding system, using graduates as a low-cost resource while neglecting to develop their skills.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My role involves script/application development within a QA/testing team. I enjoy ownership of the tools I produce and a full responsibility for their completeness and accuracy. My manager and team are approachable and we have a healthy relationship. I coordinate meetings and communicate regularly both in and out of the team.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
My work is primarily detached from the main work of the team - while useful, it isn't directly related to their normal tasks. I do feel valued by the team but am far from essential. My skillset doesn't directly align with their operation and attempts to switch teams have been met with resistance.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The pay is reasonable for a graduate scheme, although low for a London based position. The hybrid-working and flexible hours make up for the lower salary and are very appealing despite not being advertised.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
Mediocre. I have learned skills during my time here but I don't see a clear path in my current team for my future success. Switching teams is difficult and requires a strong commitment and persistence. Development is primarily self-driven. I have a strong desire to switch to the Digital Intelligence business unit, as that seems to be more involved and aligned with my skillset.
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
Technically, my knowledge has not progressed. I brought more to the table in terms of programming and theory. The scheme's mandatory Personal Effectiveness modules teach basic wellbeing, team-building and communication skills which should be expected of graduates. Through on-the-job training, I have accumulated knowledge of the basic tools the team/business uses, although these are more obtuse than technically interesting. I've mainly developed soft skills, including presentation, communication and (via additional stretch assignment) leadership.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Early Careers provided a lot of support at the start and then disappeared and became difficult to contact. Line manager has been excellent - involving me and making me feel welcome. Both my coach from Early Careers and my Corporate Mentor have given superb advice and steered my career decisions, while encouraging development of soft skills. My buddy was absent although I didn't rely on them for support.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Very good. The company offers hybrid working and my team is flexible. I often only attend site once or twice a week as much of my work can be completed while remote. The flexible start/finish times allows us to work around other commitments and we finish early on Fridays. I do sometimes feel that the workload isn't sufficient for the amount of time I'm expected to work - this makes it feel slow.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The company culture is on the older side. People are welcoming, but processes are traditional. Hybrid work has been rolled out, but the company relies on many outdated technologies which set the experience back. Generally the work is slow but consistent - it's not a fast-paced environment and that can make it boring.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Lots of training at the start, and inclusivity is promoted strongly. I felt welcomed.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
The company engages with relevant charities and matches fundraising. There are various ethical concerns about the company and its business but internally, it's clear that its focus is on defence, not offence.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a well-established company with great networking opportunities and flexible working. Experiences vary greatly between teams and business units. Getting a permanent position inside the business and building rapport will allow future career moves to suit your interests.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
I do not feel like a Software Engineer in my current role, despite applying for that role. However, I feel the graduate scheme provides a good support for a first role out of university and the flexible benefits make up for the disadvantages.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Be honest, be genuine and answer using STAR. Complete the online assessment to the best of your ability. Do not expect the interview to describe which team you will be in or give details of the work.
