Discover exciting careers on your doorstep

Last month, BAE Systems announced a £220 million investment for a significant renovation and new state-of-the-art factory of more than 32,000 square-metres at the company’s Rochester site in Kent, which has been home to the development and manufacture of aviation technology for more than 100 years.

Today, BAE Systems’ skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation. Technology that might be considered science fiction to most is very much a reality at BAE Systems. The Rochester site is at the forefront of innovation in future technologies, including flight control sticks and augmented reality displays for pilots.

The new facility will combine manufacturing, engineering and office space – providing a refreshed, modern and flexible working environment. The investment also includes improvements to utilities, car parking, and office refurbishments across the site.

The company expects to create 300 jobs over the next five years, allowing BAE Systems’ teams to continue this critical work for many years to come. And with applications for the company’s 2025 early careers placements having recently opened, there’s never been a better time to explore opportunities at BAE Systems.

Graduate Qualification Engineer Aga works at the company’s Rochester site, testing equipment and ensuring that it is certified for safety of flight. She completed a work placement with BAE Systems during her bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Electronic Engineering and applied for the graduate programme following the completion of her degree.

“I love coming to work every day. My colleagues are really friendly and welcoming, the work I do is really hands-on and no two days are the same,” said Aga. “I also get the satisfaction of knowing that the work I do enables our customers to complete their missions safely.”

“Above the day job, I work with two of my peers co-leading the Women in Rochester in Engineering group (WiRE). We have built a community that supports and promotes women in engineering. As well as having meaningful conversations, we organise relaxed social events, and make sure that new starters feel welcome.”

“I’d say to anyone considering their options –don’t be afraid to apply; whether it is a summer internship, a placement year, or a graduate scheme, because the feeling of putting all that knowledge you have gained at university into practise is very rewarding. You’ll learn a lot and it will be a valuable experience that can guide you in your future career path.”

Every year, BAE Systems in Rochester recruits around 15 engineering technician apprentices. Having expanded their apprenticeship offering in recent years to include degree-level apprenticeships in software engineering and hardware engineering, there are more options than ever for young people to learn on the job from experienced engineers and gain a recognised qualification, while earning a competitive salary.

And for undergraduates, opportunities include 12 week summer internships and one-year industrial placements, as well as fully-fledged graduate roles. Emergent engineers could find themselves in hardware, mechanical, systems or software engineering disciplines, and more.

To learn more about apprenticeships, internships and graduate programs at BAE Systems, visit: www.baesystems.com/earlycareers.