Graduate Systems Engineer (Customer Support)

Description

The company's Customer Support and Service Solutions (CS3) line operates across the UK, designing and delivering support solutions and services that keep critical equipment available when customers need it.

The graduate programme is an 18-month route into Systems Engineering. You do not need to pick a specialism before applying, since the recruitment process explores your interests and strengths to find the best fit.

Possible areas include support solution design, which covers requirements, modelling, analysis and conceptual work on Typhoon and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP); technical support, which involves testing, investigating and repairing in-service helicopter and fast jet equipment, including electronic systems and test equipment; and engineering capability development, where you help improve how support solutions are engineered and delivered through new technologies, data analysis and visualisation, and new tools or methods.

You will not be expected to know everything at the start. You will get coaching from your team and the CS3 Early Careers Manager, and your responsibility will grow as your knowledge and confidence do. The company also supports your chosen route to professional registration and chartership, and there are chances to take part in STEM activities with local schools.

Responsibilities

• Investigate problems, generate ideas and contribute actively to your team using your technical knowledge.
• Build practical Systems Engineering skills in designing, developing, integrating and verifying complex systems and support solutions, while learning the processes and technologies behind them.
• Apply your academic learning to real engineering problems across the lifecycle, delivering high-quality work within agreed cost and schedule limits.
• Work with engineers and specialists from several disciplines, learning from them and adding your own ideas.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to understand their needs, their operating context and the problems they want solved.
• Help capture, analyse and manage customer and stakeholder requirements, and see how they shape a solution's design and development.
• Use data analysis, modelling, visualisation and dashboards to inform engineering decisions and share findings.
• Produce work to a high standard that follows the relevant engineering processes, procedures and standards.
• Spot chances to improve engineering processes, methods and tools, and suggest ways to work more effectively.
• Day-to-day activities depend on your team and area, so you will build a broad understanding of Systems Engineering along with hands-on experience.

Requirements

• A minimum 2:2 Bachelor's degree or Integrated Master's, or a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD, in a relevant subject such as Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or another STEM field.
• Genuine interest in engineering and a wish to build a career in Systems Engineering.
• Evidence of some of the following from your studies, university projects, work, extracurricular activities or other experience: curiosity and a logical approach to unfamiliar problems; self-motivation and a proactive attitude to learning; the ability to weigh both a problem's detail and its wider system; a collaborative style and openness to others' backgrounds; organising your work, taking ownership and asking for guidance when needed; confidence to question ideas and raise concerns; clear written and spoken communication for varied audiences; openness to feedback and growing independence; and enthusiasm for new ideas and approaches to technical and customer problems.
• Prior experience of defence or aerospace is not needed. The company values your potential, your problem-solving approach and your willingness to learn, and encourages applications even if you lack some of the above.
• Security clearance: many roles are subject to security and export control rules from UK Government and customer obligations. Successful applicants must provide proof of identity and right to work in the UK, a criminal record declaration, and verification of employment or education history for the past five years, in line with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
• Some posts require National Security Vetting (NSV), which may consider background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities and other relevant information.
• For SC level, you will generally need to have lived continuously in the UK for the previous five years, and for DV usually ten years. Time overseas may be accepted with extra checks, and further vetting may apply after appointment.

Conditions

The role is based at either the Luton or Edinburgh site.

Some travel within the UK and possibly overseas is likely, giving direct contact with customers and their operating environments.

The company offers a Custom hybrid model, letting you split time between the workplace and remote work, depending on the role, team and customer needs.

Starting salary is £34,000 per year, with a £1,000 welcome bonus on joining and a £1,000 exit bonus after completing the programme.

You may be eligible for a Temporary Accommodation Allowance (TAA), subject to specific criteria.

The company is committed to an inclusive, accessible workplace and will make adjustments for accessibility needs during recruitment if you ask.

Primary location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300. Additional location: GB - Edinburgh. Contract type: Permanent. Working model: Hybrid.

Benefits

• Generous leave, with up to 12 additional flexi-days a year.
• A company-funded pension with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee-led networks focused on inclusion and diversity.
• All employees are eligible for the bonus scheme.
• Annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan giving the chance to own the company shares.
• Up to £500 a year in flexible benefits, covering options such as private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts, and gym memberships.
• Full list of company benefits is available on the company careers site.