Industrial Placement - Control Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman; City Of London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Hybrid arrangements

Pension

Private healthcare

Holiday buy and sell

Career development programmes

Annual performance incentive

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is offering a 12-month Industrial Placement for a Control Systems Engineer in the UK defence sector. You will help design, develop and test PLC and SCADA solutions for submarine-related control systems, with mentorship and practical project work.

You're currently studying Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering, or equivalent knowledge, and you will gain hands-on experience across requirements, testing, and fault diagnosis while contributing to mission-critical

Qualifications

• Working toward a relevant degree (electronics, systems or software engineering) or equivalent knowledge and skills.
• Interest in control systems, automation technologies and software development.
• Experience or knowledge of software development lifecycles, processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements.
• Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control system solutions.
• Develop PLC and SCADA code 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.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Industrial Ethernet

Industrial control systems

Software testing

Requirements engineering

Education

Electronics degree

Systems engineering degree

Software engineering degree

Job description

As an Industrial Placement Control Systems Engineer, you will help design and develop the systems that monitor, manage and automate critical functions across the UK's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Your work will contribute to the safe, reliable and secure operation of an important UK defence capability. You will work with PLC, SCADA and industrial network technologies, supporting the design, integration and testing of control systems for submarines that will remain in service for decades. You will also help maintain and upgrade existing systems while contributing to the next generation of control system solutions. This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, develop practical engineering skills and contribute to mission-critical technology with long-term impact. Our Industrial Placement Programme Our structured 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to help you develop the practical skills needed to build a successful career in defence and technology. Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful engineering work and take part in an Industrial Placement group project. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your placement. From the beginning, you will contribute to strategically important national defence programmes while learning from experienced engineers and technical specialists. What you'll do

• Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements
• Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control system solutions
• Develop PLC and SCADA code 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
  • Fault-finding and operational supportWe are looking for students who are curious about how technology works, enjoy solving challenging problems and want to develop practical experience in control systems engineering. You will bring a passion for learning and an interest in how automation and software can support safe, reliable performance in mission-critical environments., Currently working towards a relevant degree, such as Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
• Experience or knowledge of software development lifecycles, processes and procedures
• A genuine interest in control systems, automation technologies and software development
• Strong problem-solving skills
• The ability to develop effective solutions to a variety of technical issues

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., Due to the nature of our work, you must have Sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role.

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 gain practical engineering experience by working on critical technology that supports the UK's submarines?

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights with every other Friday off
• Private healthcare, dental, life assurance and pension
• Flexible benefits package, including critical illness cover and a health cash plan
• Holiday buy and 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 through diverse roles, mentorship and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions.