Graduate Software Engineer Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Software Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: June 2026
Overall Rating
2.7 /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!
2.5/5
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Overview of the Role
2.6/5
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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?
The graduate scheme at BAE Systems is luck-of-the-draw. Many people get fantastic experiences, but unfortunately many do not. There is limited ability to steer your career path outside of the role you are placed in, but it is not enough to mitigate a bad placement.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Implementing software changes for current projects, and completing the accompanying documentation and testing.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
1/5
I have not had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully yet, as the training pace in my placement has been slow, with not enough available work within the team.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
The pay is good, although not market leading. You get extensive opportunities to get training, mentoring, etc. and there is a lot of room for growth within the company. There are also subsidised dental and healthcare packages, alongside a green car scheme and cycle to work scheme.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
This role is allowing me to build connections across the business which will hopefully facilitate future job roles, however much of the learning is self-directed in my placement so far.
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
The pace of developing new skills is much slower than I would like, however this could change when moving to a new role after the scheme ends. This is mitigated slightly by being able to sign up for training outside of the role.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
1/5
It has definitely been a hands off approach while I have been in the business.
How is your work-life balance?
2/5
To mitigate the lack of on-the-job training, I have been doing additional work and self-study in my free time.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
3/5
It is a mixture of good and bad - most people are nice enough, and there are drives to increase diversity in the business in future.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
3/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It truly is luck-of-the-draw, and I know a lot of people have had brilliant placements within a supportive team, I just got unlucky!
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
Show that you want the role and be genuine. If you have got past the first round, they know you are intelligent enough to do the job - they want to see your personality during the in-person interview.
