UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Industrial Placement Systems Engineer
Salary: £25,000
Programme start date: September 2027
Citizenship required: UK citizenship required
Security clearance: Security Check (SC)
Travel required: Approximately 10%
Location: New Malden, London
Working arrangement: Site-based requirements apply, with flexible working options subject to the role and programme needs
Hours: Full-time
Requisition ID: R10251097
What’s your possible?
At Northrop Grumman UK, you’ll be part of a team driving innovation where it matters most, solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.
This is more than just a job. It’s a mission.
Ready to gain practical systems engineering experience by working on critical technology that supports the UK’s submarines?
As an Industrial Placement Systems Engineer, you will contribute to the development of Platform Management Systems for the UK’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Your work will support the effective delivery of systems engineering activities across the engineering lifecycle, helping to ensure these complex systems meet customer requirements.
Working within the Integrated Systems team and alongside multidisciplinary project teams, you will support systems engineering activities from requirements through to acceptance, including verification and validation. You will take responsibility for assigned activities and deliverables while learning how technical scope, schedules and budgets are managed across strategically important national defence programmes.
This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, develop practical systems engineering expertise and contribute to mission-critical technology with long-term impact.
Our Industrial Placement Programme
Our structured 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to help you develop the practical skills needed to build a successful career in defence and technology.
Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful systems engineering work and take part in an Industrial Placement group project. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your placement.
From the beginning, you will contribute to assigned project activities while learning from experienced systems engineers and working as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary team.
What you’ll do
- Contribute to systems engineering activities from requirements through to acceptance, including verification and validation
- Help produce project systems engineering deliverables and support continuous process improvement
- Complete assigned activities in line with approved plans, processes and procedures
- Help estimate the scope and effort required for systems engineering activities
- Monitor assigned tasks, timescales and expenditure against agreed schedules and budgets
- Support project reviews, including design, risk and change-impact reviews
- Contribute to defect, fault and issue management, including rectification and regression activities
- Apply relevant departmental, industry, regulatory and legislative standards to support safety, security and compliance
Along the way, you could develop experience in:
- Systems engineering lifecycles
- Requirements management
- Verification and validation
- Project and milestone reviews
- Task, schedule and budget management
- Design, risk and change-impact reviews
- Defect, fault and issue management
- Safety, security and regulatory compliance
- Working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
What we’re looking for
We are looking for students who are curious about how complex systems are designed, tested and accepted, and who want to develop practical experience within a mission‑led engineering environment. You will bring a proactive approach, an interest in systems and control engineering, and the confidence to contribute within multidisciplinary teams.
Essential:
- Currently working towards a relevant degree, such as Electronics, Mechanical, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
- Knowledge of systems engineering, including verification and validation
- Knowledge of control systems
- Knowledge of DOORS or a similar requirements management tool
- An understanding of verification methods used to demonstrate that requirements have been satisfied
- A proactive approach and the ability to complete a variety of project activities efficiently and professionally
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Visio, PowerPoint and Excel
- The confidence to present at reviews and meetings involving internal and external stakeholders
We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills outside of traditional degree routes. If you’ve built your expertise through work experience, an apprenticeship, professional certifications, bootcamps, open‑source contributions, or significant personal projects, then we encourage your application.
If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Sometimes people hesitate because they cannot tick every box. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could grow into the role, we would like to hear from you.
Security clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must have Sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role.
Benefits
- Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights with every other Friday off
- Private healthcare, dental, life assurance and pension
- Flexible benefits package, including critical illness cover and a health cash plan
- Holiday buy and sell scheme
- Career development programmes
- Annual performance incentive programme
Why join us?
- A Mission to Believe In: Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world.
- A Place to Belong and Thrive: Every voice matters. Find community and belonging through our employee networks and get involved with STEM volunteering events.
- Your Career, Your Way: Discover your possible through diverse roles, mentorship and development opportunities tailored to your ambitions.
Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.
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Industrial Placement - Systems Engineer employer: Northrop Grumman Corp.
At Northrop Grumman UK, we are not just offering a job; we are providing a mission-driven career where your contributions directly impact national security and technological innovation. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, with flexible working options and comprehensive benefits that support your well-being and professional development. Join us to be part of a team that values every voice and empowers you to shape your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Placement - Systems Engineer
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern at local manufacturing firms. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you a chance to network with industry insiders who can point you towards placements like the one at Northrop Grumman Corp..
✨Attend Industry Events
Check out local manufacturing trade shows or exhibitions. These events are goldmines for networking and can help you chat with recruiters face-to-face, potentially getting you a leg up on placements.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university's career services can be a fantastic resource. They often have exclusive connections with companies in the manufacturing sector, like Northrop Grumman Corp., and can help you prepare for interviews and placements.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Make sure to have your CV and portfolio ready to show what you've got. If you’ve worked on any projects related to manufacturing or production, highlight those when you apply. And remember, you can apply directly through our website for roles like the Industrial Placement - Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corp.!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production world, it's essential to highlight any technical skills you have. If you've got experience with specific machinery or tools, or if you know how to read technical drawings, make sure these are front and centre in your CV. Employers like Northrop Grumman Corp. want to see exactly what you're capable of!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication:Production environments are all about working well in a team, so be sure to reference any group projects or collaborative experiences in your application. Whether it's in the classroom or during previous work, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively will make you stand out to Northrop Grumman Corp.. You might even want to include specific examples of how you solved problems as a team.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Showcase Your Learning Potential:Since this is a placement, make sure your cover letter reflects your eagerness to learn and grow. Talk about how this opportunity at Northrop Grumman Corp. fits into your career goals and what you hope to gain from the experience. Being genuinely enthusiastic will go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you have any certifications or have taken any courses related to manufacturing or production methods, make sure to mention them. These little badges can give you an edge over other candidates. Attach copies of your certificates if you can; it shows you're serious about the industry and ready to hit the ground running at Northrop Grumman Corp.!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northrop Grumman Corp.
✨Get Hands-On with the Tools
In manufacturing and production, familiarity with tools and machinery is key. Brush up on any specific equipment you might encounter at Northrop Grumman Corp.. If the job involves specific software, like CAD programs, make sure you can show your basic proficiency – maybe even look at doing a quick online refresher course if you feel a bit rusty!
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Employers in this field love a good problem-solving mindset. Prepare to share examples from previous experiences, maybe from school projects or past jobs, where you identified a manufacturing issue and how you tackled it. It’s all about showing how you can think on your feet!
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Spirit
Production is all about working as part of a team. Be ready to chat about how you’ve worked collaboratively in the past. Whether it was group projects in school or team sports, highlighting your ability to communicate and cooperate will resonate well with your interviewers at Northrop Grumman Corp..
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since this is a placement, there might be practical assessments or hands-on tasks to evaluate your skills. Don’t stress! Just remember to stay calm and systematic during any practical tests—it's all about demonstrating your capability to follow protocols and safety measures.
