Work for BAE Systems

Introduction to BAE Systems

We’re a skilled, diverse, collaborative community of over 90,500 people, creating some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace, marine, land, and security solutions.

We value the creativity and innovation of a diverse and inclusive team, and trust and empower our people to thrive, no matter what their background or experience.

Join us and you’ll enjoy first-class training, coaching and support. We’ll look to you for new ideas and new ways of working. You’ll make a real contribution to vital, global work that secures all our futures.

Why we’re working with Rest Less

We believe when you bring together different people and different perspectives it inspires creativity and drives innovation. It helps us fulfil our purpose and it’s integral to our culture. We want everyone to be heard and respected, allowing us all to develop and thrive together.

Why work with BAE Systems

We’ve a wide range of career opportunities available – whether it’s engineering or technology, project management or manufacturing, you’ll be helping our customers protect what really matters.

Reward and Benefits

Great work deserves benefits that go beyond your salary. Whether it’s health, wellbeing, or financial security for you and your family – our flexible benefits help you focus on what’s important to you.
We’re all doing vital work here that impacts the world. But we want to make sure you can balance life at work and life at home.
As the world has evolved, so has the way we work. We offer different types of hybrid working arrangements depending on your role and your location. You’ll be trusted and empowered to determine a working pattern that works for you, your team, and our customers.
Life’s never a straight path. From maternity leave to long term sickness support, pension plans to financial support – we want to support you through the good and the challenging times. There’s a real mix of benefits that are funded for you, and others you can opt into, if they’re a good fit for your needs and circumstances.
For more information on our rewards and benefits please visit – Rewards and benefits | Careers in the UK | BAE Systems

Find your perfect opportunity at BAE Systems

BAE Systems diversity statement

We want to help change the world we live in for the better – and that starts with our workplace. We’re committed to building a truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable place to work. We actively promote a culture of respect so everyone can be free to be themselves. It empowers us to do our best work, it enables us to grow, and brings us together to find new and better ways to protect what really matters.

We want to lead the way in our sector and beyond. By 2030 we have set our ambition for women to make up at least 50% of our Executive Committee and 30% of our workforce. We’re determined to be more diverse at all levels of the organisation and to be truly representative of the communities in which we operate. There’s work to do, but we’re focused on attracting the best people to work here – regardless of gender, age, ethnic or religious background, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic.

To secure our ambitious future, we are committed to investing in our people. Without them, there is no us. Working here, whatever your role, you will find the tools, support, and inclusive environment to fulfil your ambitions and make an impact now and in the future.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) Our ERGs play an important role in promoting an inclusive and attractive workplace. They provide visible leadership and direct engagement with a range of affinity groups, to ensure employees feel that their differences are valued and represented. Our ERGs are also vital in raising awareness and educating those who may not directly relate to their focus area, but wish to support as an ally.

Example roles

Engineering roles – At BAE Systems, engineering roles offer experienced professionals the opportunity to work on impactful, cutting-edge projects within defence, aerospace, and security. With a rich history of innovation and a focus on delivering advanced solutions, our team values the depth of expertise that comes with years of experience. We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where you can continue to develop your skills, mentor the next generation, and contribute to critical projects that help shape the future of national security. Join us to bring your knowledge and experience to meaningful work that makes a real difference.

IT roles – At BAE Systems, working in IT means joining a team that’s at the forefront of technology, with a focus on delivering secure, innovative solutions for defence, aerospace, and security. For those with years of experience, it’s an opportunity to apply your expertise to complex, real-world challenges, while also mentoring future talent. We offer a collaborative environment where your skills are valued and there’s always room for growth. With a focus on work-life balance, job security, and making a tangible impact on national security, it’s a rewarding place to continue your career and contribute to projects that matter.

Manufacturing & Operations roles – Working in manufacturing and operations at BAE Systems offers a rewarding environment where experience is highly valued. As part of a world-leading company in defence and aerospace, you’ll contribute to the production of complex, high-tech systems that have a real-world impact. With decades of industry knowledge, we provide a supportive environment where seasoned professionals can continue to grow, share expertise, and take on new challenges. You’ll work alongside a diverse team, applying your skills to deliver quality and precision while helping ensure national security. It’s a place where experience makes a difference and innovation drives success.

Project Manager Roles – In project management at BAE Systems, your expertise is key to leading complex, high-impact projects in defence, aerospace, and security. With years of experience, you’ll manage multidisciplinary teams, navigate challenges, and drive innovation in a supportive and collaborative environment. We value the depth of knowledge that comes with experience, offering opportunities to mentor and shape the next generation of leaders. At BAE Systems, your leadership skills will guide projects that make a difference, contributing to national security and advanced technology. It’s a chance to apply your experience to meaningful work, with a focus on professional growth and work-life balance.

Real-life stories

Changing your career track or transferring to a new company needn’t be daunting. We asked some of our valued team to tell us about their experiences of working at BAE Systems. We hope they inspire you too.

Gavin - Associate at BAE Systems

After 33 happy years as an Air Traffic Controller, Gavin’s career in the Royal Air Force had to come to an end.

Gavin loved how fast-paced his job was and, aged 55, he had no intention of slowing down.

“When the time came to retire from the RAF, I felt apprehension. I didn’t want to be an Air Traffic Controller in the civilian world, so I knew I had to make a bigger change.”

Gavin passed courses to work as a Signalman for Network Rail in 2012 but before he could start, an opportunity came up he just couldn’t turn down.

“There was an associate position going in exhibitions and events at BAE Systems. I learned more about the role and thought crikey, it sounds absolutely fantastic. Not just the travelling overseas aspect but also the opportunity to project manage something through from the very start through to completion.”

Knowing he had plenty of transferable skills from his colourful and varied career in the RAF, Gavin applied and was successful.

“The job is everything I thought and more. It’s so interesting and I’m always busy. I feel very lucky. I’m 67 now but I don’t feel any different from when I left the RAF at 55. If you’re happy in your job just keep going. I have no plans to retire any time soon!”

“There’s no ageism in the team. People appreciate the wisdom and knowledge you can pass on, which is important. You get a lot of respect from everybody.”

So what advice does Gavin have for people over 50 who find themselves at a career crossroads?

“It’s simple, look at the skills you’ve got and consider which of those skills you really enjoy using. Then find a job that matches them. Know that you’ve got a lot to offer!”

Rowan - Life Cycle Management

When Rowan received the news that the company he worked for was going into administration, he knew that he needed to figure out, ‘What’s next?’

Rowan was ready for a change so after a conversation with his family he signed up for the course at Burnley College. “In the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘I’m 44, who is going to take me on without any qualifications?’

Over the next few years, Rowan continued with his studies, graduating with a 1st class honours degree in international business and management, after which he decided to embark on teaching completing a PCGE. “The course included 100 hours of teaching experience and I quickly realised teaching was not for me. This was also taking place during the COVID pandemic, so there was lots of virtual learning which I didn’t enjoy.”

After his PCGE, a friend suggested the BAE Systems graduate scheme. “At the time I thought this was ridiculous. I was 49 years of age, way too old to be on a graduate scheme but I asked the recruiter who told me they didn’t discriminate by age.”

After 5 years of studies, a degree, a PCGE and a Master’s degree, Rowan joined BAE Systems in Jan 2023 and is now a PM graduate in Governance and Assurance, where as part of his role he supports Life Cycle Management.

Going forward, Rowan has a keen interest in regenerative futures which is something that he would love to pursue. “In my role I’m always looking at what we can do as a business to make it more sustainable as this is such an important field.”

“It’s all been worthwhile in the end, I’m a great believer that BAE Systems is your oyster and there is a lot of opportunity for me here. Everyone has devoted a great deal of time and effort in me and I want to fulfil my potential in this and give something back. I have 15 years before I retire during which I can be massively productive for both me and BAE Systems.”

BAE Systems brand values

At BAE Systems everything we do is steered by three core values: Trusted, Innovative, and Bold.

We all have a part to play in fulfilling our purpose and our values guide us towards that. They reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. They bind and connect our diverse minds. They guide our decisions and influence our culture.

Together each one of us is committed to living these values, every day.

BAE Systems mission

Our mission is to provide a vital advantage to help our customers protect what really matters. It brings us together and gives us purpose, it inspires us to do our very best.

We never shy away from conversations about our role in the world. Those who connect with our purpose feel pride in being part of something bigger and are motivated by our positive impact on our customers and communities.

This collective purpose unifies our diverse business and puts collaboration and teamwork at its heart. We’re a team that comes together, united by a shared sense of belonging, and motivated by our ability to make a difference.

We strive to promote a culture where everyone is accepted and respected, regardless of their background. This includes supporting our employees well-being and have also implemented a range of positive mental health initiatives to ensure that our employees can reach their full potential both inside and outside of work.