Graduate Control Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid arrangements

Compressed fortnights

Private healthcare

Dental

Life assurance

Pension

Holiday buy/sell

Career development

Performance incentive

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Graduate Control Systems Engineer to join a two-year UK Graduate Programme beginning September 2027. The role focuses on designing, developing and testing PLC and SCADA control systems for critical functions across the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, contributing to safe and reliable operation.

You will work in multidisciplinary teams on full engineering lifecycle tasks, supported by mentors and project leads, with opportunities to rotate across projects

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
• 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

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.

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

What we’re looking for

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.

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. Contact [e-mail] for further information.

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.

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.