DE&S Engineering Naval Architecture Graduate Scheme

UK Defence Equipment and Support; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization in the UK seeks candidates for their Engineering Naval Architecture Graduate Development Scheme. This two-year program offers practical experience in engineering with a focus on naval architecture. Participants will rotate through various engineering placements and engage in project management activities. The role requires a minimum bachelor's degree with a classification of 2:2 and offers a competitive salary with benefits. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a passion for engineering.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

Flexible and hybrid working options

Professional training and funding for qualifications

Access to employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion

Huge range of discounts

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English Language (grade 4 or above).
• Accredited bachelor's degree by relevant Engineering Institution.
• Pass at online assessment stage.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through multiple engineering placements.
• Solve engineering problems and develop upgrades.
• Gain project management experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management knowledge

Microsoft Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering with minimum 2:2

Job description

Description

Engineering Naval Architecture Graduate Development Scheme

Location : MOD Abbey Wood Bristol BS34 8JH (office attendance required)

Duration : Two years

Start Date : October 2026

Salary : 30080 (with annual increments)

Entry Requirements : Bachelors degree (minimum 2 : 2)

Working Pattern : Full-time

Overview

Join Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to support the UK Armed Forces by delivering cutting‑edge equipment and technology. This two‑year programme offers hands‑on experience in engineering within a naval architecture specialism. We recognise the breadth of engineering and aim to align your skills and experience with the most suitable placements when you join us. While there are multiple engineering posts available we encourage you to apply to the engineering specialism that best reflects your background to help us match you to the best opportunity. Placements will span the engineering lifecycle; from early concept next‑generation platforms and technologies to acquisition and acceptance of new equipment supporting in‑service systems through to the safe environmental disposal of obsolete equipment.

What You’ll Do

• Rotate through multiple engineering placements within your chosen specialism Industry Defence Partners and the Armed Forces to experience every aspect of the project life cycle.
• Exploit cutting‑edge technology; solve engineering problems and develop upgrades to ensure equipment continues to provide the battle‑winning edge our customers need.
• Gain project management knowledge and experience.
• Work towards accreditation with several Engineering Institutions as a foundation towards Incorporated or Chartered status.
• Read more about the scheme here: DE&S Engineering Graduate Scheme

What We Offer

• Salary of 30080 with annual increments
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an extra privilege day)
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Professional training and funding for qualifications
• Access to employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion
• Huge range of discounts

Eligibility

• UK residency for the last 5 years
• Security Check (SC) clearance required
• Right to work in the UK (DE&S does not sponsor visas)

Minimum selection criteria

• GCSE Maths and English Language (grade 4 or above)
• A bachelors (or higher) degree in Engineering with a minimum grade of 2 : 2 specialising in a naval architecture focused subject. Click here for: Relevant Degree Subjects
• Your degree must be accredited by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution. (Engineering Council Science Council Society for the Environment or Institute of Marine Engineers Scientists & Technologists)
• Pass at online assessment stage
• Final‑year students can apply with official predicted grades; all qualifications must be evidenced by end of August 2026. (Equivalent level qualifications to GCSEs in the required subject and grades will also be considered). Degree accreditation status will be checked during the selection process.

Application Process

• Apply Online (13 Oct – 10 Nov 2025)

  Complete an online application form using the link in this advert. Complete all information accurately including how you meet our minimum selection criteria.

• Online Assessments (Nov 2025)

  We will ask you to complete some interactive assessments. These should take around 20‑30 minutes. They will provide us with insight into your adaptability, how you interact and learn new skills and how you will naturally act and think at work.

• Eligibility checks (Dec 2025)

  We will review your application form to ensure you meet our minimum selection criteria and nationality requirements.

• Assessment Centre (Jan–Feb 2026)

  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre at DE&S headquarters MOD Abbey Wood Bristol. There will be limited dates available. You’ll undertake an interview presentation and a group activity. Please note attendance is required in person as virtual participation is not available.

• Provisional Offer (Feb 2026)

  We will offer based on order of merit to the number of roles available.

• Onboarding (March – August 2026)

  All pre‑employment checks will take place to ensure you evidence our minimum selection and eligibility criteria to undertake a role within the MOD. If all are successful we will provide a formal offer of employment.

• Induction (October 2026)

  Subject to confirmation this scheme is expected to start October 2026.

Additional Information

• Your application form must list your qualifications to meet the minimum selection criteria if missing we will be unable to qualify you against our eligibility checks.
• Should you encounter any technical difficulties submitting your application please take screenshots and email us. Without screenshots of the issue we may be unable to progress your application.
• On occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to invite all successful candidates to an assessment centre we may limit the number of invites; this circumstance we may prioritise interviewing candidates who align most closely to the selection criteria. Information for this will be drawn from other sources of information from your application such as your CV.

D&S Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Diversity and Inclusion

As a Disability Confident level 3 leader DE&S is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and offer them an interview or assessment centre opportunity if they meet the minimum criteria for the job.

On occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to invite all Disability Confident candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria to an assessment centre we may limit the number of invites; this circumstance we may prioritise interviewing candidates who align most closely to the selection criteria. Information for this will be drawn from other sources of information from your application such as your CV.

Eligible Groups

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU EEA Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU EEA Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU EEA Swiss or Turkish nationals

Civil Service Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles : Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Terms and Conditions :
• Civil Service Code : The Code – Civil Service Commission

Key Skills

• sheltered housing
• elderly care
• Social Care
• Independent Living
• Communication skills
• Microsoft Outlook
• housing management
• ISO 13485
• Research Experience
• Rota Management
• social activities
• Research & Development

Employment Type : Student

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Contact: Have a question or a request for a reasonable adjustment? Email us at ... Apply now to start your career and make a difference for the UK Armed Forces!