Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Job Title Graduate Electronic Systems Mechanical Engineer

Location Rochester (Kent)

Start Date 8th September 2025

BAE Systems do offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, however it is expected on our Graduate programme you will be required to attend your site a minimum of 4 days per week. Please note, this may be subject to change in line with the needs of the business. The hybrid working arrangements including which days you are required to work on site/remotely will be outlined by your line manager.

Salary £34,000 & £2,000 Welcome Bonus

The BAE Systems' Rochester site in Kent employs more than 1,600 people and is growing for the future. Recognised as a technology pioneer, the electronics based site has delivered world leading controls and display solutions for more than 70 years. Its talented workforce are at the forefront of exciting electronic technologies, including augmented reality displays for pilots, active control sticks and flight control computers.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently under represented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

What you will be doing

Working as part of our Mechanical Engineering team you will help to design, develop, and test complex mechanical systems and turn ideas into products. Through 3D modelling, a range of analysis tools, and physical testing, you'll get involved with the design and specification of complex products that factor into stringent safety requirements and design considerations such as environment, materials, manufacture, assembly, cost and performance to name just a few. Our military and commercial programmes require us to push our capabilities and technologies to the limit of what is achievable today. Working across air, land, and maritime platforms, on a wide range of electronic products including flight control computers, active inceptors, and person mounted display equipment, this opportunity gets you right at the forefront of meaningful and innovative projects, bringing world-leading performance to where it's needed most, and protecting those who protect us.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Applying your understanding of mechanical engineering principles, as well as materials and manufacturing processes, to progress the design, development, and manufacture of new and existing products and supporting equipment
• Working within a diverse team of engineers to support the detail design and optimisation of components and assemblies through CAD modelling and mechanical analysis techniques
• Assisting with the analysis of reported issues and failures, to enable the continuous support of existing product in the field
• Drafting technical reports, presentations, and technical drawings to ensure that information can be successfully communicated with stakeholders
• Supporting the analysis and testing of components and assemblies, to ensure we deliver a robust, safe, and reliable product
• Hands-on building of prototype products and test equipment, to facilitate development testing and qualification
• Collaboration with engineers from other disciplines including Electronics, Systems, and Software, as well as professionals in Supply Chain, Operations, Test & Commissioning, ILS, and other internal functions, to achieve project success

Skills

As a minimum requirement you'll need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a 2.2 in your Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical degree.

Opportunities for Growth and Development: We encourage employees to explore projects beyond their primary responsibilities, providing them with diverse experiences. With a wide range of products and a multinational presence, there are ample opportunities for employees to engage in various projects and initiatives.

Community Involvement: In addition to professional development BAE Systems value community engagement. Employees are encouraged to participate in community projects, STEM initiatives, and employee resource groups, offering valuable learning experiences outside of their regular roles.

Retention and Career Development: Recognising the importance of retaining talented individuals, we offer sponsorship, career development support, and high-potential development programs. These initiatives aim to help employees plan their careers effectively and provide opportunities for accelerated development for those who demonstrate aspiration, ability, and performance.

Benefits

You'll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You'll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

On commencement of employment you will be paid a one-off non-consolidated lump sum payment of £2,000 (the "Welcome Payment"). The Welcome Payment is subject to the normal deductions and will be paid with your first salary payment. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to ease your transition, whether this be relocation cost, securing housing, ensuring smooth and reliable transport needs, anything to help kick-start your career in BAE Systems.

Inclusivity within our recruitment process

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Our environmental responsibility

As a future-focused business we're committed to changing the world we live in for the better. Our target is to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, we're innovating new ways to develop on-site renewable electricity and setting ambitious targets for water consumption and waste generation.

Export Control/Security

Please be aware that many roles working for BAE Systems will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.

As a minimum requirement you'll need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a 2.2 in your Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical degree.