Graduate Careers, Propelled: Hardware Engineer Case Study

BAE Systems’ skilled workforce plays a vital role in defending international security, and supporting the UK’s armed forces and security services.

This year, BAE Systems in Rochester is offering more young people than ever the opportunity for exciting long-term careers, with more than 90 roles available for apprentices, undergraduates and graduates.

Alexa completed the graduate scheme at BAE Systems in Rochester, where she is now working as a hardware engineer. Shas shared some insights into her journey so far, and how the company is supporting her to take her career to new heights.

I started my career at BAE Systems in Rochester as a summer intern during my integrated masters, and developed tests for our augmented reality helmet for pilots – Striker II^®. I was then offered a place on the graduate scheme as a hardware engineer.

The graduate scheme gave me the chance to work on some of BAE Systems’ latest projects. Getting to be part of a team working on world-leading technologies gives me the motivation to try my best every day, and the ability to apply my skills and solve real problems.

After finishing the graduate scheme in 2022, I was lucky to be selected for ‘Future Talent’, a programme designed to accelerate the development of future leaders throughout the organisation. This has given me the chance to take part in a number of exciting part-time projects alongside my day job.

One project was rebuilding a product demonstrator kit for a head-up display camera, resulting in a whirlwind three-day trip to Switzerland to show it to the customer! In my current project, I am leading a team of engineers working on a critical flight control computer refresh.

On reflection, the last year has stretched the bounds of what I am capable of, but in doing so it is energising to continue to develop new strengths and skills.                                 

Discover BAE Systems’ internships, industry placements and graduate schemes: https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/graduates

Learn more about BAE Systems: www.baesystems.com