Early Careers

Expect to work on every kind of project across our organisation – from design to construction, in-service support and maintenance and capability enhancement projects. Whatever the task at hand, risks need to be identified and managed, stakeholder requirements satisfied, and the whole assignment planned and delivered on time and to budget. Along the way, you’ll develop strong relationships with a range of colleagues in areas such as: engineering, commercial, financial and procurement functions. That’s because watching our finances is as important as watching the clock when delivering a project. With that professional network behind you, you’ll have everything you need to tackle anything that comes your way.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you’ll need to look at the big picture and understand how the software interacts with the system and its interfaces. You could be working on a huge variety of different projects. You could focus on something as small as an audio console for a communications project. Or you could work on something as large as a handling system on a world-class ship. Whatever you work on, you may be closely involved in the design, specification, implantation and testing of software and associated systems.

The activities in this area are many and varied. You might be helping us design a variety of cutting-edge floating vessels and structures, or investigating the finer points of resistance, propulsion and access. What’s certain is that you’ll work with – and learn from – some of the most respected naval architects in the world. You’ll learn how to analyse and design various aspects of floating vessels and structures (including hull form, arrangement, stability, structures, resistance, propulsion and access). In the process, you’ll make a real contribution to projects too. Previous graduates here have worked on everything from naval ships and submarines to small boats and offshore platforms. They have helped us develop unmanned surface vessel support solutions and even been involved in next generation submarine pre-concept engineering.

You could work in anything from mechanical design right through to manufacture, installation and decommissioning. Equally, you could work on analysis and problem-solving for existing equipment or systems. What’s not in doubt is that there will be plenty of onsite work, such as implementing designs, finding solutions to installation issues, and liaising with designers and office-based engineers. You’ll also get involved in project management too, engaging with stakeholders, planning delivery and ensuring projects run to budget and programme.

Your placements could take you to any part of our business. You might be managing elements of huge bids, supporting commercial contracts – including legal aspects – managing governance and compliance activities, or spotting new opportunities as part of an ambitious business development team across our Aviation, Nuclear and Marine sectors. And, once you have a handle on what we’re about and how we do things, you’ll specialise in an area that suits your strengths and ambitions.

Working in a discipline of such fundamental importance means that you could work on anything. You could be on the team designing submarines, refitting warships, or working to enhance high frequency communications for our defence forces. The possibilities are endless. Day-to-day, you could find yourself working on electrical power distribution or electrical control and instrumentation, involving both analogue and digital systems. Our graduates get involved in everything from concept design and AutoCAD layouts to testing, installation, commissioning and handover to clients. You may even find yourself managing projects and leading your own team.