Graduate Systems Engineer (GDP - September 2026 Start)

Pratt & Whitney; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm is seeking a Graduate Systems Engineer for their Harlow facility. This role involves supporting the development of advanced systems engineering tasks, including project requirements, analysis, and validation. Ideal candidates will have a 2:2 degree in electronics engineering and strong STEM skills. The position offers an attractive starting salary of £34,000, with biannual pay reviews and a structured Graduate Development Programme that fosters professional growth and leadership skills.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus statutory public holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Flexible Benefits package

On-site canteen and free snacks

Qualifications

• Flexibility on location and ability to travel.
• Passion for succeeding in a fast-paced technology industry.
• Full CV including university and pre-university grades.

Responsibilities

• Support System Design Authority and Systems Engineering Team Leaders.
• Manage project requirements, systems analysis, design, and validation.
• Work on development studies and investigation activities.

Skills

Excellent STEM skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in electronics engineering

Job description

Overview

Date Posted: 2026-01-05

Country: United Kingdom

Location: GBR01:Harlow, Essex, Kao One, Kao Park, Harlow, CM17 9NA

Position Role Type: Unspecified

Graduate Development Programme (GDP) – Join Raytheon UK

Role: Graduate Systems Engineer (APNT)

Location(s): Harlow (onsite 3-5 days per week)

Travel: Occasional travel to UK facilities and overseas as required for the role and Early Careers events

Starting Salary: £34,000 plus company benefits

Type: Permanent – 2-year Graduate Development Programme (GDP), with biannual pay reviews

Start Date: Monday 7 September 2026

Hours: Full-Time

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a Graduate to work within the Raytheon Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) Systems Engineering team designing and developing Digital GPS Anti-Jam Systems and Alternative Navigation Solutions for the military market.

The role will provide support across Raytheon’s range of APNT products across the product lifecycle, from requirements capture, analysis, design through to testing, qualification, and certification activities.

Main Duties

Provide support to the System Design Authority and Systems Engineering Team Leaders with the development and management of project requirements, systems analysis and design, verification and validation activities, generation of technical documentation, and participation in technical design reviews.

Based at Raytheon’s Harlow facility, the successful candidate will have access to professional development opportunities and be part of the growing Raytheon Technologies team, undertaking development studies and investigation activities involving system performance and interfacing with various internal stakeholders.

Working in a highly technical environment, supporting the team as well as working autonomously, taking on complex challenges and producing solutions that follows company process in a timely manner. A successful candidate will be comfortable integrating into a large team to accomplish their goals.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in electronics engineering (already achieved or to be completed by 7 September 2026)
• The successful candidate will be required to complete and obtain the SC Security Clearance application. Please visit the government website for further information: National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK

• Flexibility on location and ability to travel to our UK facilities and overseas
• Excellent STEM skills demonstrated through academic achievement
• A passion for succeeding in a fast-paced, technology industry
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships
• A full CV, including your university and pre-university grades (GCSE/National 5/Highers/Advanced Highers/A Levels/College Course, etc.), and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this role at Raytheon UK

About the Graduate Development Programme (GDP)

At Raytheon UK, we’re excited to work with and support talented individuals during their careers through our Graduate Development Programme (GDP). This structured 2-year programme blends on-the-job experience with comprehensive training, ensuring that graduates are supported in their transition from university to a thriving professional career.

Our GDP is not just about skills development — it’s about building connections, leadership capabilities, and career growth. Throughout the programme, you’ll have access to the following:

• Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and career development support
• Business Skills: Gain hands-on experience in project management, supply chain, strategy, and more, working on real-world business challenges
• Join our award winning STEM team at UK wide events from Airshows to careers talks.
• Community Impact: Join the Million Makers challenge to support the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) in fundraising for social impact projects and also grow your business acumen, team working and networking skills.
• Microsoft Training: Improving skills in Excel and PowerPoint
• Opportunities to complete professional qualifications relevant to the role and career development (e.g. Charterships for Engineers)
• Pay Reviews: Biannual pay reviews in your first two years to ensure your career growth is matched with competitive compensation
• Grow your network through attending a range of exciting Early Careers & STEM events

What Our Graduates Say

Being on the GDP was a fantastic opportunity to learn about your own style and personality traits and how you can better adapt your approach to situations and people in the workplace. It also provided a great network across the functions and the sites that I have been able to reach out to for support during my time at Raytheon UK.

This role has allowed me to get hands on experience with hardware, learning the intricacies of the current Anti-Jam systems and looking at how to go beyond, developing these even further. I have had the chance to look at all the different stages of the lifecycle of a project contributing to the planning, design, testing, and debugging stages of this and develop a deeper understanding as to what these require.

Not only this but the GDP aspect has provided a great opportunity to learn and develop soft skills. Participating in the various workshops on offer as part of the scheme has provided me with the opportunity to improve my communication, presentation, and leadership abilities and maximise my output.

Application Process

To apply, visit our careers website: www.raytheon.co.uk/careers via the Workday application link and submit a full CV along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you have applied to Raytheon UK. In your cover letter, we’re looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, our company values, and why you would be a great fit for the team. It is mandatory to include a cover letter for this role, so please ensure you submit one. If you fail to submit a cover letter, unfortunately, we will not be able to progress your application. To find out more about Raytheon UK visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

What to include in your cover letter

• Why you want to join Raytheon UK and pursue this specific role
• How your skills and experiences align with the position
• Any personal or professional interests, experiences, or achievements that make you stand out

Next Steps for Applicants

We look forward to keeping you updated on your application through updates on Workday and email. Candidates selected for the next stage will be required to complete the initial screening stage to assess suitability for the role. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to one of our assessment centres where you will complete a range of individual and group tasks on the day, it’s a great opportunity to meet the team, our current graduates and business leaders to showcase your skills and potential for an exciting career with Raytheon UK.

About Raytheon UK

Raytheon UK is a leading technology and innovation company, working across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, cyber, space, and training. With facilities across the UK in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester, Manchester, and Livingston, we employ 2,000 people and support an additional 8,000 jobs across the country.

We are proud to support the UK Ministry of Defence and are invested in developing cutting-edge technology to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including weapons and sensors, cyber security, and space. Raytheon UK is part of RTX, a global leader in aerospace and defence solutions. For further information please visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

Standard Benefits

• 25 days holiday, plus statutory public holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Life Assurance (up to 6x salary)
• Flexible Benefits package
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave)
• 37-hour working week, with early finish on Fridays (hours may vary depending on role and site)
• Flexible working options available, where possible
• On-site canteen and free snacks & drinks at select locations

Equal Opportunities

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support and Adjustments

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 3 (Leader) employer, committed to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for everyone.

As part of this commitment, we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role. Please let us know on your application if you would like to apply under this scheme.

Should you require any adjustments or additional support at any stage of your application, please contact us — the team are here to help you perform at your best.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Privacy Policy and Terms: Read the full policy at the official site: www.raytheon.co.uk