Graduate Control Systems Engineer

1120 NG UK Limited.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Private healthcare

Pension

Flexible benefits package

Holiday buy/sell

Career development programmes

Incentive programme

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK invites applications for a Graduate Control Systems Engineer. You will help design and develop systems that monitor, manage and automate critical functions across the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

The two-year Graduate Programme rotates across projects, with mentorship and structured training to build core control systems expertise. You will work with PLC, SCADA and industrial networks, gaining exposure to software development, testing and lifecycle activities.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in a relevant discipline such as Electronic, Systems or Software Engineering.
• 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.

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 in line with company and customer procedures.
• Help diagnose faults and support existing solutions at customer sites across the UK.
• Develop experience in PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial Ethernet, and software testing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team communication

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree (Electronic/Systems/Software)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Job Title: Graduate Control Systems Engineer Salary: £32,500 Programme start date: September 2027 Citizenship required: UK citizenship required Security clearance: Security Check (SC) Travel required: Approximately 10% Location: New Malden Working arrangement: Site-based requirements apply, with flexible working options subject to the role and programme needs Hours: Full-time Requisition ID: R10251078

What’s your possible? 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? 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.

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

What we’re looking for

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.

Essential

• 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. If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Sometimes people hesitate because they cannot tick every box. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could grow into the role, we would like to hear from you.

Security clearance Due to the nature of our work, you must be a Sole UK national and able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role. Our recruitment team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Benefits

• 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.

We’re growing across the UK.

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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.