Control Systems Engineer Industrial Placement

Northrop Grumman Corporation; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology company in Greater London is seeking interns for their Industrial Placement Programme to work on innovative projects for the UK's nuclear-powered submarines. You will design and develop Platform Management Systems (PMS) using cutting-edge technologies. Ideal candidates are pursuing a relevant engineering degree, possess strong problem-solving skills, and have a passion for software coding. This role offers a full-time position with competitive benefits and the chance to contribute to critical defense projects.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Private healthcare

Cash health plan

Holiday buy/sell scheme

Career development programmes

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• Working towards a relevant degree.
• Understanding of software development lifecycles, processes, and procedures.
• A keen interest in control systems and software coding.

Responsibilities

• Capturing, interpreting, and developing customer requirements.
• Producing technical documentation in line with company and customer procedures.
• Specifying, designing, and testing solutions for PLC and SCADA control systems.
• Supporting and fault-finding on existing solutions at customer sites.

Skills

Understanding of software development lifecycles

Strong problem-solving skills

Passion for developing innovative solutions

Interest in control systems and software coding

Education

Relevant degree (e.g. Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering)

Job description

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC) TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Requisition ID: TR10214356

Location: New Malden, London

Citizenship Required: UK citizenship required

Clearance Type: SC

Hybrid / On Site: On Site

Travel Required: Yes, up to 10%

Relocation Assistance: Not available

Positions Available: Multiple

Hours: Full-time (12-month placement starting September 2026)

Salary: £25,000

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible.

This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

Are you ready to work on critical technology that powers the UK’s submarines?

As part of our 12-month Industrial Placement Programme, you’ll join a team of pioneering engineers designing and developing Platform Management Systems (PMS) for the UK’s fleet of nuclear‑powered submarines. You’ll work with cutting‑edge industrial control technologies, including PLCs, SCADA systems, and secure industrial networks, helping to ensure these systems meet the highest standards of reliability, security, and performance.

This is a unique opportunity to grow your expertise and apply it to one of the most advanced defence programmes in the world.

What you’ll be doing:

• Capturing, interpreting, and developing customer requirements
• Producing technical documentation in line with company and customer procedures
• Specifying, designing, and testing solutions for PLC and SCADA control systems
• Developing PLC and SCADA code from design formats such as block diagrams, flow charts, or pseudo code
• Validating software designs through analysis and testing
• Supporting and fault‑finding on existing solutions at customer sites across the UK

What we’re looking for:

• Working towards a relevant degree (e.g. Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering)
• Understanding of software development lifecycles, processes, and procedures
• A keen interest in control systems and software coding
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a passion for developing innovative solutions

If you don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

You might be exactly who we’re looking for – either for this role or another opportunity at Northrop Grumman UK.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a sole UK national to be eligible for this position. You must be able to gain and maintain SC level UK Government security clearance.

Our recruitment team is here to support you through the process: [e-mail]

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including compressed fortnight (every other Friday off)
• Private healthcare
• Cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Performance bonuses

Why join us?

A Mission to Believe In – Play a crucial role in designing and upgrading PMSs for the UK’s nuclear‑powered submarines, solving real‑world challenges in high‑stakes environments.

#IND-INT-26

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.