Graduate Control Systems Engineer

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.

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a Sole UK national and able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role.

Our recruitment team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact Earlycareers@uk.ngc.com for further information.

Ready to begin your engineering career by working on technology with real purpose?

As a Graduate Control Systems Engineer, you will help design and develop the systems that monitor, manage and automate critical functions across the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Your work will contribute to the safe, secure and reliable operation of an important UK defence capability.

You will join multidisciplinary engineering teams working with PLC, SCADA and industrial network technologies. From developing and testing control software to supporting the next generation of control systems, you will gain experience across the full engineering lifecycle and see how your work contributes to complex, long-term programmes.

Our structured two-year Graduate Programme is designed to help you turn academic knowledge into practical engineering experience.

Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you opportunities to rotate across projects and disciplines, explore your technical interests and build the foundations for a long-term career. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your development.

From the beginning, you will contribute to meaningful work while learning from experienced engineers and technical specialists.

• →Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements into clear engineering solutions
• →Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control systems
• →Develop control software using block diagrams, flowcharts, pseudocode and other design formats
• →Validate software designs through structured analysis and testing
• →Produce accurate technical documentation in line with company and customer procedures
• →Help diagnose faults and support existing solutions at customer sites across the UK

• PLC programming
• SCADA systems
• Industrial Ethernet
• Industrial control systems
• Software testing and validation
• Requirements engineering
• Systems engineering

We are looking for graduates who are curious about how technology works, enjoy solving challenging problems and want their engineering career to make a meaningful difference.

• An engineering degree in a relevant discipline such as Electronic, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)
• An understanding of software development lifecycles, processes or procedures
• Some exposure to systems engineering principles or software development methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to communicate clearly and contribute effectively within a team

• Familiarity with basic project management tools (e.g. Microsoft Project)
• Experience contributing to projects, whether through employment, education, volunteering, or personal projects
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop effective solutions

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.

Yes: Submit your application online.

Possibly: If you would like to learn more about the programme, the role or the security clearance process, contact Earlycareers@uk.ngc.com .

Not this opportunity: Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

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.