Graduate Airframe Engineer

This graduate airframe engineering role spans aerodynamics, CAD design, materials testing, and structural analysis to develop, optimize, and certify the physical integrity of advanced combat aircraft like the Typhoon and Tempest.

Who we are 

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space – there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role Description

Graduate Airframe Engineer is split into four disciplines, Aerodynamics, Design, Materials and Structures. Aerodynamics discipline develops and deploys aerodynamic capability, through its engineers and toolsets, to deliver products that meet customer requirements throughout the engineering lifecycle.

Design Engineering is responsible for producing the integrated airframe design definition and physical product design dataset to enable product manufacture, through-life support, qualification, and certification. Materials Engineering is responsible for materials and process technical support, capability for materials development and manufacturing activities.

Structures Engineering is responsible for the definition of initial airframe structural and ensure the on-going structural integrity of BAE Systems Air products.

Core Duties

• Aerodynamics: We apply a range of methods, including wind tunnel testing and computational techniques, to analyse and optimise the aircraft design, ensuring safe operation across the flight envelope.

• Design Engineering: Stakeholder Liaison, product bill of materials management, CAD definition of an optimised and manufacturable product.

• Materials Engineering: Analyse, qualify and test materials, investigate material properties and failures, develop new materials for airborne platforms.

• Structures Engineering: To undertake structural analysis calculations to validate the strength, stiffness and structural life of BAE Systems platforms.

The Air Team 

We have a proud heritage in the development, manufacture, upgrade and support of world-leading combat and fast jet trainer aircraft. We operate across the globe, supporting design, production, and provision of aircraft including Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest.

Why BAE Systems

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle.

In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do. 

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.

Qualification requirements

You must have obtained, or be predicted to obtain, a minimum 2:2 bachelor’s degree or a pass at master’s level in the following subjects: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or Maths.