Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: June 2026
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of the Role
3/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
4/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
Mostly Okay; though the tools required to perform job are often unavailable or blocked by security.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Software Engineering - making code and systems, solving problems - computer architecture, network architecture etc, embedded systems, graphical systems, HMI systems.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
Plenty of fulfilling work to be done, though don't expect navigating the horrendous IT infrastructure to be easy.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
1/5
Absolutely horrendous - if you're working with the expectation of being paid well, work for google or another tech company, likely overseas - comparing salary to other companies will leave you dissapointed
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Experience gained is priceless, if you want to get into safety critical systems this is a great place to learn.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
Formal training is a bit lacking - but working and learning on the job has been pretty great.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
2/5
Wouldn't recommend if you have any long term health conditions; namely mental health - they don't seem too understanding if you're going through long term issues
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Flexible working arrangements mean you can come and leave at more reasonable times - though if you're working on anything critical, you will be in the office full time, which isnt ideal if you are expecting some remote aspect to your work.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
3/5
General corporate brainwashing, as could be expected from any company; often the company behaviours are forced down your throat on a day to day basis, especially if you're a graduate.
On a positive note, there are plenty of ERG's you can sign up for, if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which is reassuring.
Hybrid & remote is likely an option for people in finance and less technical roles - if you're in a technical role however, you'll likely be in the office full time. New company mandate however has now been implemented, forcing you to be onsite 3 days out of the week, which is horrendous if you have a long commute, or simply value your time; namely if your job would otherwise not require you to be onsite.
On a positive note, there are plenty of ERG's you can sign up for, if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which is reassuring.
Hybrid & remote is likely an option for people in finance and less technical roles - if you're in a technical role however, you'll likely be in the office full time. New company mandate however has now been implemented, forcing you to be onsite 3 days out of the week, which is horrendous if you have a long commute, or simply value your time; namely if your job would otherwise not require you to be onsite.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
3/5
On the surface, excellent - plenty of available ERG's you can sign up for - however you dont really see much visibility from them in your day to day life - it is mainly out of work events.
Furthermore, if you have long term / chronic health issues that mean you need time away from work, they aren't the most understanding, and you'll likely see some hassle.
Furthermore, if you have long term / chronic health issues that mean you need time away from work, they aren't the most understanding, and you'll likely see some hassle.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
3/5
Can't comment too much, as I've seen little to none - outside of volunteering for military focused events, such as airshows, expos and military focused fundraising.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
No
Why?
I have regrets about joining the company through the graduate scheme - as the pay is even worse than of regular employees, for essentially doing the full role - I would recommend joining as a direct hire, to avoid the corporate brainwashing of graduate training, which is actively soul-killing and provides nothing of substance.
If you want very specific experience working in the sector, and dont mind not being paid as much as you should, absolutely join - otherwise, I would look elsewhere.
If you want very specific experience working in the sector, and dont mind not being paid as much as you should, absolutely join - otherwise, I would look elsewhere.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
Was expecting a more modern system for development, however much of the infrastructure and work is anchored in the 1980's
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
A good CV goes a long way - definitely include your extracurricular activities, as they like people with personality. Do not apply through the grad scheme if you can avoid it.
