Description
Job Title Graduate Submarines Materials Engineer
Location Barrow (Cumbria)
We offer relocation support packages for this role (Barrow-in-Furness based roles), subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
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 up to 5 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
Join our Submarines Team to be a part of designing, building, testing, and commissioning the largest and most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy. Work alongside our Astute Class and Dreadnought Class Submarines to provide a powerful and secure deterrent for the United Kingdom 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You could be the difference.
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
As a Materials Science Graduate, you will be working within the Materials Technology Centre as part of a dynamic, growing and highly specialised team, which offers advice and support on all aspects of materials science (including metallic, composite materials, paints and coatings, polymers and adaptive materials), to other engineering departments across all the submarines programmes that BAE Systems deliver. The Materials Technology Centre is a growing team with large scope for development and career progression, making it a very exciting time to join us.
You will have the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of the Submarine’s lifecycle, from concept through to commissioning and testing and disposal during decommissioning, supporting activities such as research into novel and existing materials, material selection based on design and engineering requirements, materials testing using state of the art equipment and techniques, and performing in-build problem solving and failure investigations.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Providing advice and support to delivery teams across all submarine programmes (Astute, Dreadnought and SSNA) with regards to material selection.
• Working closely with the MOD (Ministry of Defence) and other external stakeholders to agree and define requirements.
• Supporting material failure investigations and providing advice on a route forward.
• Undertaking a range of testing and analysis (e.g. mechanical testing, scanning electron microscope analysis).
• Proposing, leading and running research projects investigating the latest developments in material science and their application to the submarines BAE Systems build.
• Working in partnership with UK universities and industrial collaborators to identify possible applications of academic research for use in our submarines.
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 either Materials Science, Polymer Science, Weld Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, Chemistry or Physics.
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 at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Qualification requirements
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 either Materials Science, Polymer Science, Weld Engineering, Additive Manufacturing, Chemistry or Physics.
Start date (dd Month Year)
8th September 2025
Length of contract
Permanent contract
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