Graduate Control Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Dental

Life assurance

Pension

Holiday buy/sell scheme

Career development

Annual performance incentive

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK invites graduates to join its Graduate Control Systems Engineer programme, focused on designing and developing PLC/SCADA control systems for critical UK defence applications. You will rotate across projects and disciplines, gain hands-on experience, and benefit from mentoring and structured development through a two-year programme.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the full engineering lifecycle, and have opportunities to learn about industrial

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in electronic, systems or software engineering.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle.
• Exposure to systems engineering principles or software development methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly within a team.

Responsibilities

• Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements into clear engineering solutions.
• Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control systems.
• Develop control software using block diagrams, flowcharts, pseudocode and other design formats.
• Validate software designs through structured analysis and testing.
• Produce accurate technical documentation.
• Help diagnose faults and support existing solutions at customer sites across the UK.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Industrial Ethernet

Industrial control

Software testing

Requirements engineering

Systems engineering

Analytical skills

Clear communicator

Education

Electronic/Systems/Software Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

As a Graduate Control Systems Engineer, you will help design and develop the systems that monitor, manage and automate critical functions across the UK's nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Your work will contribute to the safe, secure and reliable operation of an important UK defence capability. You will join multidisciplinary engineering teams working with PLC, SCADA and industrial network technologies. From developing and testing control software to supporting the next generation of control systems, you will gain experience across the full engineering lifecycle and see how your work contributes to complex, long-term programmes. Our Graduate Programme Our structured two-year Graduate Programme is designed to help you turn academic knowledge into practical engineering experience. Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you opportunities to rotate across projects and disciplines, explore your technical interests and build the foundations for a long-term career. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your development. From the beginning, you will contribute to meaningful work while learning from experienced engineers and technical specialists. What you'll do

• Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements into clear engineering solutions
• Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control systems
• Develop control software using block diagrams, flowcharts, pseudocode and other design formats
• Validate software designs through structured analysis and testing
• Produce accurate technical documentation in line with company and customer procedures
• Help diagnose faults and support existing solutions at customer sites across the UK

Along the way, you could develop experience in:

• PLC programming
• SCADA systems
• Industrial Ethernet
• Industrial control systems
• Software testing and validation
• Requirements engineering
• Systems engineering
  We are looking for graduates who are curious about how technology works, enjoy solving challenging problems and want their engineering career to make a meaningful difference., An engineering degree in a relevant discipline such as Electronic, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
• An understanding of software development lifecycles, processes or procedures
• Some exposure to systems engineering principles or software development methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to communicate clearly and contribute effectively within a team

Desired:

• Familiarity with basic project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project)
• Experience contributing to projects, whether through employment, education, volunteering, or personal projects
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop effective solutions

We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills outside of traditional degree routes. If you've built your expertise through work experience, an apprenticeship, professional certifications, bootcamps, open-source contributions, or significant personal projects, then we encourage your application.

At Northrop Grumman UK, you'll be part of a team driving innovation where it matters most - solving tomorrow's challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it 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. Ready to begin your engineering career by working on technology with real purpose?

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights (every other Friday off)
• Private healthcare, dental, life assurance, and pension
• Flexible benefits package including critical illness cover and health cash plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes
• Annual performance incentive programme

Why join us?

• A Mission to Believe In - Every day we contribute to building a more secure and connected world.
• A Place to Belong and Thrive - Every voice matters. Find community and belonging through our employee networks and get involved with STEM volunteering events.
• Your Career, Your Way - Discover your possible with diverse roles, mentorship, and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions.