Industrial Placement - 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 have Sole UK citizenship and be 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 gain practical engineering experience by working on critical technology that supports the UK’s submarines?

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

You will work with PLC, SCADA and industrial network technologies, supporting the design, integration and testing of control systems for submarines that will remain in service for decades. You will also help maintain and upgrade existing systems while contributing to the next generation of control system solutions.

This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, develop practical engineering skills and contribute to mission-critical technology with long-term impact.

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 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 strategically important national defence programmes while learning from experienced engineers and technical specialists.

• →Capture, interpret and develop customer requirements
• →Specify, design and test PLC and SCADA control system solutions
• →Develop PLC and SCADA code 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
• Fault-finding and operational support

We are looking for students who are curious about how technology works, enjoy solving challenging problems and want to develop practical experience in control systems engineering. You will bring a passion for learning and an interest in how automation and software can support safe, reliable performance in mission-critical environments.

• Currently working towards a relevant degree, such as Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training)

• Experience or knowledge of software development lifecycles, processes and procedures
• A genuine interest in control systems, automation technologies and software development
• Strong problem-solving skills
• The ability to develop effective solutions to a variety of technical issues

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.