The University of Southampton

BAE Systems

 

About Us

 

When you're looking for high performance, nothing beats the systems found in nature. Three billion years of evolution. That's the inspiration behind so much of what we do. Join us at BAE Systems and you'll become part of Europe's largest defence, security and aerospace company with over 88,000 employees worldwide and reported sales of £18.2 billion.

We develop, deliver and support some of the most advanced defence, security aerospace systems in the world, leading to over 100 new inventions each year.

So whether it's military aircraft, surface ships, submarines or radar systems, our people make it happen. Which means it doesn't matter if you have a business, engineering or finance background. If you're striving to become a top performer, you'll find all the inspiration you need to achieve your goals here.

Our Graduate Programmes

Attracting All Great Performers

Few organisations can offer opportunities as exciting and challenging as ours in the fields of business, engineering and finance. Whether it's our Graduate Development Framework (GDF), Finance Leader Development Programme (FLDP) or the Sigma Leadership Programme (SLP), all of them provide a mix of training and experiences that will help you become one of our great performers.

 

Graduate Development Framework

This is our main, two year, entry scheme into business and engineering.

Business Roles: BAE Systems is renowned for its engineering excellence. However just as vital to our ongoing success is ensuring that we deliver £multi-billion projects both efficiently and effectively. That's why we're continually looking to attract outstanding performers across every area of business management.

Engineering Roles: Engineering forms the foundation for our business. With over 18,000 engineers in the UK, they look after the design, development, testing and production of over 100 new inventions each year. As well as a number of best-in-class products.

 

Finance Leader Development Programme

If you're looking for a rewarding career in finance, you'll have the opportunity to move around the business and gain experience in the different facets of financial operations management with BAE Systems. You'll quickly become involved in delivering financial and operational performance within a variety of roles. It's everything you'd expect from an advanced finance programme.

This five year scheme will include placements falling into one or more of the following categories; project accounting, management accounting or financial accounting.

 

Sigma Leadership Programme

Sigma is a unique, fast tracked leadership programme that we have specially created for people of the very highest calibre. Its members commit to three years of multiple placements, and it is designed to develop the business and engineering leaders of the future.

The Sigma programme is fully endorsed by the Board, so it has a high profile. For us, it's a major long-term investment in real potential, and that's why our members are professional, influential and genuinely resolute. To be successful within Sigma you will need to be delivery orientated, able to build long-lasting relationships and inspire others to improve their performance.

Whichever area of our business you initially join on our graduate programme; you'll be encouraged and supported to develop your natural potential. This could mean further study towards relevant professional qualifications, for which we'll provide all the resources and support you need. It will certainly mean drawing up your own individually-tailored Personal Development Plan, setting your own goals and achieving them through regular performance reviews.

We won't hold your hand. If you want to be a success with us, you'll need to plan, drive and continue to set and achieve your own ambitious goals. It's your career, and you'll be responsible for taking it to the heights you want to reach.

 

Opportunities

Number of vacancies: Around 250 GDF, 12 FLDP and 5 Sigma and Placements across our business. Vacancies and updates can be found at: www.baesystems.com/graduates

Engineering Roles: We have a range of exciting, challenging, stretching yet highly rewarding careers opportunities for graduates who impress. The roles available in engineering include: Systems, Software, Electrical & Electronic, Manufacturing & Production, Mechanical & Structures, Naval Architecture, Research Scientists/Engineers.  You'll need minimum or predicted 2:1 honours degree in an engineering, numerate or scientific discipline.

Business & Finance Roles: We also need commercially-minded professionals who will ensure BAE Systems is performing to the very best of its abilities. As a business graduate you could join either: Project Management, Commercial, Procurement, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing. You'll need minimum or predicted 2:1 honours degree in any discipline.

There are many associated benefits of being a graduate on our Graduate Development Framework. These include: a competitive salary ranging between £25,000 and £28,000, welcome payment of £2000, 25 days' holiday, competitive pension scheme, support in gaining professional qualifications, performance reviews every six months.

FLDP and Sigma schemes include additional benefits and a starting salary from £28,000.

Locations: In the UK we have more than 60 locations, so depending on what you specialise in you really do have the country at your feet.

Early application is advised:www.baesystems.com/graduates