Graduate Software Engineer

BAE Systems; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Graduate Electronic Systems Software Engineer in Rochester (Kent). You'll develop critical software, work on engineering projects, and be part of a supportive team. A Bachelor's or Master's in a STEM subject is required, along with strong analytical skills. This role includes hybrid working, a competitive salary of £34,000, plus bonuses and benefits.

Benefits

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Green car scheme

Private health plans

Qualifications

• Predicted to achieve a 2.2 in a STEM degree.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Understanding of software engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex Safety Critical Software.
• Contribute to engineering issues on a program.
• Engage in full Software Lifecycle.

Skills

STEM degree

Software lifecycle knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM subject

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Graduate Electronic Systems Software Engineer

Location: Rochester (Kent)

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements; however for this role you will be expected to attend your site 4 days per week.

Salary: £34,000 + £2,000 Welcome Bonus

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working closely with both Electronic and Systems engineers, you’ll enable the development of complex Safety Critical Software for real-world systems that have to perform perfectly every time.
• You will be allocated into a project and tasked as a Software Engineer within the team.
• Your work will be expected to make real contribution to addressing the engineering issues on a programme.
• Your work is likely to encompass the full Software Lifecycle within our product development.
• Engineering data information, meeting and briefing notes, report writing, presentation preparation, cost, schedule and risk analysis.
• Support local STEM initiatives

Benefits

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing & lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Electronic Systems Team

Delivering world leading controls and display solutions for more than 70 years, the workforce is at the forefront of exciting electronic technologies, including the Striker II Helmet, active control sticks and flight control computers.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Qualification Requirements

As a minimum requirement you’ll need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a 2.2 in your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM subject.

Start date (dd Month Year): 7th September 2026

Length of contract: Permanent contract