Graduate Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title    Graduate Air Manufacturing Engineer 

Location    Warton / Samlesbury (Lancashire)

Start Date  8th September 2025

BAE Systems do offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements, however it is expected on our Graduate Programme you will be required to attend your site 3-4 days per week. Please note, this may be subject to change in line with the needs of the business. The hybrid working arrangements including which days you are required to work on site/remotely will be outlined by your line manager.

Salary    £34,000 & £2,000 Welcome Bonus 

Come and join us in BAE Systems Air, we have a long and proud heritage in the development, manufacture, upgrade and support of world-leading combat and fast jet trainer aircraft.
Today, we operate across the globe, in multiple markets to support our customers – wherever, whenever and whatever their challenges may be. We support them across the whole life cycle of the air sector – from design, development and production, through to provision of aircraft, training, support and maintenance. 

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, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently under represented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

What you will be doing

Manufacturing Engineering is an integral part of BAE Systems Air, and our engineers play a central role in ensuring the delivery of Project to schedule, cost and customer expectations.  They provide a high standard of technical support and production expertise across a wide range of manufacturing technologies.  This helps to influence the generation of the Design data set, and subsequently enables its conversion into excellent, cost effective products.  Our engineers are therefore involved in all phases of the life cycle of our projects, from new business, design through development, manufacturing and in-service support.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensuring that products and processes are continuously improved by providing alternative and innovative manufacturing solutions and developing effective manufacturing methods.  This involves identifying, developing and introducing into production new types of manufacturing processes
• Providing Jig & Tool Designs which are fit for purpose, encompassing design definitions, interchangeability, product safety and health & safety features within cost constraints.  
• Preparation of NC and CMM programmes, instructions and planning sheets for assemblies, components and tooling details using current CAD/CAM systems.  This also includes metrology and robotics programming.
• Ensuring that the original design intent is met in the finished product.  Engineers translate design information in the form of CAD models, drawings, material and manufacturing process specifications into repeatable processes as part of the Manufacturing Engineering Process, documenting the optimum manufacturing methods in written and/or pictorial instructions with due regard to cost and quality for new build and retro modification. 

Skills

As a minimum requirement you will need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a 2:2 in your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems / Technology Engineering Management, Manufacturing Management / Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing bias) Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing bias).

Opportunities for Growth and Development: We encourage employees to explore projects beyond their primary responsibilities, providing them with diverse experiences. With a wide range of products and a multinational presence, there are ample opportunities for employees to engage in various projects and initiatives.

Community Involvement: In addition to professional development BAE Systems value community engagement. Employees are encouraged to participate in community projects, STEM initiatives, and employee resource groups, offering valuable learning experiences outside of their regular roles.

Retention and Career Development: Recognising the importance of retaining talented individuals, we offer sponsorship, career development support, and high-potential development programs. These initiatives aim to help employees plan their careers effectively and provide opportunities for accelerated development for those who demonstrate aspiration, ability, and performance.

Benefits

You will receive several benefits including – A competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You will also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.   

On commencement of employment, you will be paid a one-off non-consolidated lump sum payment of £2,000 (the “Welcome Payment”). The Welcome Payment is subject to the normal deductions and will be paid with your first salary payment. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to ease your transition, whether this be relocation cost, securing housing, ensuring smooth and reliable transport needs, anything to help kick-start your career in BAE Systems. 

Inclusivity within our recruitment process

We 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.

Our environmental responsibility

As a future-focused business we’re committed to changing the world we live in for the better. Our target is to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, we’re innovating new ways to develop on-site renewable electricity and setting ambitious targets for water consumption and waste generation.

Export Control/Security

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.

As a minimum requirement you will need to have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a 2:2 in your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems / Technology Engineering Management, Manufacturing Management / Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing bias) Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing bias).