BAE Systems

BAE Systems

About

At BAE Systems, we help our customers to stay a step ahead when protecting people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of 85,800 people in more than 40 countries.

From state of the art cyber threat detection to flight control systems that enable pilots to make better decisions, we never stop innovating to ensure that our customers maintain their advantage. This is a long-term commitment involving significant investments in skills. We also work closely with local partners to support economic development through the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.

Building a better workplace
We want to help change the world we live in for the better – and that starts with our workplace. We're committed to building a truly diverse, inclusive, and equitable place to work. We actively promote diversity in the workplace, as well as a culture of respect so everyone can be free to be themselves. It empowers us to do our best work, it enables us to grow, and brings us together to find new and better ways to protect what really matters.

Our ambitions
We want to lead the way in our sector and beyond. By 2030 we have set our ambition for women to make up at least 50% of our Executive Committee and 30% of our workforce. We’re determined to be more diverse at all levels of the organisation and to be truly representative of the communities in which we operate. There’s work to do, but we’re focused on attracting the best people to work here – regardless of gender, age, ethnic or religious background, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic. To secure our ambitious future, we are committed to investing in our people. Without them, there is no us. Working here, whatever your role, you will find the tools, support, and inclusive environment to fulfil your ambitions and make an impact now and in the future.

Company benefits may include
Flexible working hours
Open to part-time/job-sharing/compressed hours/hybrid
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Health insurance/Family health insurance
Life insurance
Mental health first aiders
Wellness programmes
Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
Shared parental leave
Adoption leave
Annual leave (buy or sell & bank holiday swaps)
Company shutdown periods
Sick leave pay
Annual bonus
Share options
Salary sacrifice
Employee discounts
Lunch and learns
Gym membership
Cycle to work scheme
Electric car salary sacrifice
Relocation packages

  

Company profile type: 
Employer
Company size: 
1000+ employees
Industry: 
Aerospace and Defense

FAQ: 

What is diversity in engineering?

Diversity in engineering is about embracing different ideas and valuing and respecting engineers of all backgrounds.

By doing this, businesses can create a much more inclusive and fairer workplace. One that draws on a range of perspectives from people of any gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic class. 

Why is diversity important in engineering?

Diversity is so important in engineering because a variety of viewpoints can unlock the answers to complex problems.

If you have an engineering team made up of people with different life experiences and multiple ways of thinking, they are more likely to find solutions for the task at hand.

The more diverse your workforce is, the wider the range of ideas they’ll come up with. This results in those companies generally being:

  • More forward-thinking – harnessing unique ideas helps engineering teams to innovate. 

  • Better at making decisions – a range of viewpoints means decisions are more informed. 

  • Relevant to a wider range of people – the products engineers create are more likely to meet the needs of a greater number of people. 

  • More attractive as employers – future engineers want to work for businesses that will respect and develop them, regardless of their background. 

How are BAE Systems encouraging diversity in our engineering team?

At BAE Systems, diversity is an integral part of our culture, across all areas of the business. We offer all of our team a fulfilling career and the respect and recognition they deserve, regardless of their background. 

Not only is this a place where you can make a difference with bold and pioneering work across land, sea, air and cyber. You’ll also gain a sense of belonging within a friendly and supportive engineering team. 

Promoting diversity in the workplace is about more than words. That’s why we back up this commitment with actions, including initiatives such as our: 

Inclusive hiring practices 

We want our engineering team to reflect the diversity we’re so proud of in a wider society. To do this, we carry out outreach programmes to engage with underrepresented groups and attract people with great potential. 

Promoting STEM education 

We’re encouraging more women, girls and young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). We’re achieving this through inspiring partnerships with schools, universities and community groups across the UK. 

Employee resource groups (ERGs) 

Many of our engineers are involved with various ERGs we have set up, such as our Outlink LGBTQ+ and Embrace groups. Their purpose is to build an ever more inclusive workplace at BAE Systems. This helps our employees to feel even more comfortable being themselves at work. 

Flexible work policies 

By offering flexible working options to our employees, we can help to support people with a variety of personal circumstances at home. Whether it's hybrid and/or remote working, part-time opportunities, or flexible hours, we want to help our engineers balance work with other commitments. 

Leadership targets 

Ambitious goals for improving our diversity are embedded in our company strategy. For example, by 2030, our aim is that women will make up 30% of our workforce and 50% of our executive committee. We hold ourselves accountable to these goals through transparent reporting. 

What is the function of manufacturing and operations?

Our roles in manufacturing and operations offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic field that’s ever-evolving. They combine practical skills, problem-solving and teamwork to create a global impact. You might also be involved in implementing new technologies and innovations to streamline output. The UK is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and this industry contributes billions to the UK economy and employs millions of people. 

What manufacturing jobs are in-demand in the UK?

High demand for manufacturing and operations jobs has been fuelled in post-Brexit years by UK companies moving their production back to home soil. More skilled workers have also been needed to meet orders and maintain quality amidst global changes.

Many jobs available are entry level, which means many UK workers have started their careers in a wide variety of manufacturing and operations roles.

Examples of some in-demand jobs in the UK include: scaffolders, welders, engineering manufacturing professionals, production managers, pipefitters, welders fabricators, and manufacturing engineers. 

What manufacturing and operations roles are BAE Systems currently hiring for?

At BAE Systems, it’s a really exciting time to join us with a huge range of manufacturing and operations jobs available across the UK.

Whether you’re an experienced professional, wanting to retrain, or looking for an apprenticeship with great training and development, there’s something here for everyone. As part of a friendly team, you'll produce work you can be proud of, making a real difference together.

BAE Systems provides endless opportunities for you to make your mark. Whether you’re an electrician, manufacturing engineer, fabricator, laminator, sheet metal worker, pipefitter, slinger, commissioning engineer, or welder, there’s plenty of room for growth and opportunity for innovation. 

What growth opportunities do in-demand manufacturing roles at BAE Systems provide?

In terms of support and development within your manufacturing and operations role, you can expect:

  • To work with best-in-class manufacturing tools 

  • To be part of a supportive community offering mentorship and structured development 

  • To enjoy a collaborative atmosphere where new ideas are valued 

  • A safety-first focus 

You’ll also be rewarded for making vital security products a reality and access a customisable package of flexible rewards that suit you and your family. 

What qualifications are needed for in-demand roles at BAE Systems?

The qualifications required for in-demand manufacturing and operations roles at BAE Systems vary based on the specific position. Whatever role you join at BAE Systems, you can expect continuous learning, adaptability and a collaborative mind-set.

When you join one of our manufacturing and operations teams, you’ll play a key role in creating the next generation of security products and services that protect those who protect us. 

What qualifications are required to be a welder?

If you’re passionate about welding and want to contribute to cutting-edge projects, it’s an exciting time to join our business, as we expand and transform. Our operations teams are involved in repairs and refits across land, sea, air and space. 

If you’re interested in a welder position at BAE Systems, we’re looking for skills and experience such as the knowledge of a variety of welding processes and equipment. 

What qualifications are required to be a pipefitter?

If you’re an experienced pipefitter and keen to be part of impactful projects, we’re recruiting more pipefitters than ever before as our business is growing. We’re offering the opportunity to operate in an innovative and collaborative environment, with all the latest tools, equipment and training you need to be your best.

If you’re interested in a pipefitter position at BAE Systems, we’re looking for knowledge and experience in pipe manufacture and installation and proficiency in using the associated tools and technologies.

What qualifications are required to be an electrician?

We’ve got many exciting roles for electricians UK wide, working on the air, land and sea defence of the future, providing security for our country and allies for decades to come.

If you’re excited about electrical work, we’re now recruiting for electricians with a strong understanding of electrical installation drawings. Plus experience in the installation of all electrical equipment and an understanding of the manufacturing process. 

What qualifications are required to be a fabricator?

If you’re passionate about fabrication, we’re offering exciting opportunities for growth, training, and development. You could be working on the fit, refit and maintenance of a range of products across air, sea and land that protect national security.

If you’re interested in a fabricator position at BAE Systems, we’re looking for knowledge and experience in fabrication and familiarity with various techniques and equipment. 

Why join BAE Systems in manufacturing and operations?

At BAE Systems, our advanced technology and lean manufacturing are guiding both the industry and a digital revolution. You’ll be part of a friendly and supportive team of global innovators, taking pride in the work we do together to make the future more secure for everyone.

This is a place where you’ll make a vital difference in your manufacturing and operations role, while enjoying a meaningful and ever-evolving career. You’ll be part of secure and inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to be your best.

Please note that some roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Your nationality or place of birth may also limit the roles you can undertake. 

Pages

Company Locations

Company Benefits: 

Enhanced Pension
Health Care
Life Insurance
24 Hour Access to a Doctor
Annual Leave
Cycle to Work Scheme
Discounted Gym Membership
Family Paid Leave
Flexible Working Hours
Hybrid Working
Medical Insurance
Pension Scheme
Sick Leave Pay
Wellness Programmes