Graduate Systems Engineer - Weapons - GDP - September 2025 Start

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Graduate Development Programme (GDP) – Join Raytheon UK

Role: Graduate Systems Engineer (Weapons)

Location(s): Harlow

Travel: Occasional travel to UK facilities and overseas as required for the role and Early Careers events

Starting Salary: £32,000, plus £3,000 welcome payment and company benefits

Type: Permanent – 1st 2 years graduates complete the GDP structured training programme in addition to day job.  As part of the GDP there are biannual pay reviews in years 1 & 2.

Start Date: Monday 1 September 2025

Hours: Full-Time

About the Role:

This role offers the candidate the opportunity to join the Weapons team as a Graduate Systems Engineer, working across a range of programmes and R&D studies, developing additional capacity within the Engineering team to further the strategic growth of the business.

The Graduate Systems Engineer will support activities in relation to the full lifecycle of the products for UK & Export Customers. This could involve supporting design, test and integration activities that can require travelling in the UK and abroad.

The role will be based at Raytheon’s Harlow facility and the successful candidate will have access to professional development opportunities and be part of the growing Raytheon Technologies team, where the candidate will be required to undertake development studies and investigation activities involving product performance and interfacing with various different internal and customer platforms.

The role will involve working in a highly technical environment, supporting the team as well as the autonomy to work alone. Taking on complex challenges and producing a solution that follows company process in a timely manner is an essential part of the role. A successful candidate will be comfortable integrating into a large team to accomplish their goals.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to further progress their career through a mixture of training and experience to develop the correct tools and skillsets required to achieve a successful career within the business.

Main Duties:

The Graduate Systems Engineer will support the Design Authorities and Engineering teams in a variety of activities across the Weapons business area.

This may be in support of 3 main business activities, namely: production (where established products are provided to our Customers), development (where improvements to new and existing systems are identified and assessed) and integration (where you could be asked to provide engineering effort to deliver the integration of products onto candidate platforms).

In the role of a Systems Engineer you will work throughout the product life cycle. This will include capturing, developing, designing and verifying system requirements and providing a certified complete system design ready for production. You will work with other SME’s (subject matter experts) such as mechanical engineers or software engineers to define and develop the system and its interfaces. It is essential to have excellent communication skills. Further development of these experiences and skills will be one of the main focuses of training programmes and on the job training you will receive.

Further key activities include support of the strategic drive of the business and the development and execution of engineering initiatives.  We would be looking for you to bring your skills to supplement existing capabilities to meet these objectives.

In addition to support to existing teams, the Graduate Systems Engineer will be expected to grow their experience within the team and progress to leading their own activities and initiatives.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential:

• Minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree (already achieved or will complete by 1 September 2025). Preferred Engineering or related degree.
• The successful candidate will be required to complete the SC Security Clearance application. Please visit the government website for further information: National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK
• Full CV (please note university, pre university and GCSE Grades) & Cover Letter explaining why you have applied to Raytheon UK and your chosen role.
• Flexibility on location and ability to travel to our UK facilities and overseas
• Be a logical thinker with excellent problem solving ability
• Be able to work as part of a team and also lead own initiatives
• Be methodical, hardworking, and enthusiastic
• Member of a relevant Engineering institution such as the IET, RAeS or IMechE.
• Excellent STEM skills demonstrated through academic achievement
• A passion for succeeding in a fast-paced, technology industry
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships

About the Graduate Development Programme (GDP):

At Raytheon UK, we’re excited to work with and support talented individuals during their careers through our Graduate Development Programme (GDP). This structured 2-year programme blends on-the-job experience with comprehensive training, ensuring that graduates are supported in their transition from university to a thriving professional career.

Our GDP is not just about skills development — it’s about building connections, leadership capabilities, and career growth. Throughout the programme, you’ll have access to the following:

• Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and career development support
• Business Skills: Gain hands-on experience in project management, supply chain, strategy, and more, working on real-world business challenges
• Raytheon UK actively encourages diversity of ideas, thoughts, and networking opportunities and has created Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which includes RTX ADAPT, RTX WISE, RTX VETS, RTX NXTGEN, RTX MCN and RTX Pride.  For further detail please visit the diversity page on our website: https://www.raytheon.co.uk/who-we-are/diversity
• Join our award-winning STEM team at UK wide events from Airshows to careers talks.
• Community Impact: Join the 'Million Makers' challenge to support the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) in fundraising for social impact projects and also grow your business acumen, team working and networking skills.
• Microsoft Training: Improving skills in Excel and PowerPoint
• Opportunities to complete professional qualifications relevant to the role and career development (e.g. Charterships with relevant Engineering Institutes)
• Pay Reviews: Biannual pay reviews in your first two years to ensure your career growth is matched with competitive compensation
• Grow your network through attending a range of exciting Early Careers & STEM events

What Our Graduates Say:

Being on the GDP was a fantastic opportunity to learn about your own style and personality traits and how you can better adapt your approach to situations and people in the workplace. It also provided a great network across the functions and the sites that I have been able to reach out to for support during my time at Raytheon UK.

Not only this but the GDP aspect has provided a great opportunity to learn and develop soft skills. Participating in the various workshops on offer as part of the scheme has provided me with the opportunity to improve my communication, presentation, and leadership abilities and maximise my output.

Application Process:

To apply, visit our careers website: www.raytheon.co.uk/careers via the Workday application link and submit a full CV along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and why you have applied to Raytheon UK. In your cover letter, we’re looking for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, our company values, and why you would be a great fit for the team.  To find out more about Raytheon UK visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

What to include in your cover letter:

• Why you want to join Raytheon UK and pursue this specific role
• How your skills and experiences align with the position
• Any personal or professional interests, experiences, or achievements that make you stand out

Next Steps for Applicants:

We look forward to keeping you updated on your application through updates on Workday and email. Candidates selected for the next stage will be required to complete the initial screening stage to assess suitability for the role. 

Successful applicants will receive an invitation to one of our assessment centres where you will complete a range of individual and group tasks on the day, it’s a great opportunity to meet the team, our current graduates and business leaders to showcase your skills and potential for an exciting career with Raytheon UK.

About Raytheon UK:

Raytheon UK is a leading technology and innovation company, working across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, cyber, space, and training. With facilities across the UK in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester, Manchester, and Livingston, we employ 2,000 people and support an additional 8,000 jobs across the country.

We are proud to support the UK Ministry of Defence and are invested in developing cutting-edge technology to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including weapons and sensors, cyber security, and space. Raytheon UK is part of RTX, a global leader in aerospace and defence solutions. For further information please visit our website: www.raytheon.co.uk

Standard Benefits:

• 25 days holiday, plus statutory public holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
• Life Assurance (up to 6x salary)
• Flexible Benefits package
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave)
• 37-hour working week, with early finish on Fridays (hours may vary depending on role and site)
• Flexible working options available, where possible
• On-site canteen and free snacks & drinks at select locations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Raytheon UK:

At Raytheon UK, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all employees are empowered to deliver their best work. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity — by bringing together people with different perspectives and experiences, we create stronger solutions that support our customers and the communities we serve.

We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We understand that diversity encompasses more than just race and gender; it includes differences in experience, thought, and perspective, which is why we work to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a critical role in supporting and amplifying diversity across our business. We are also proud to be recognized with the Gold Award Employer status from the UK’s Armed Forces Covenant and as a Top Employer for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index.

For further information, please see our website: https://www.raytheon.co.uk/who-we-are/diversity

Support and Adjustments:

At Raytheon UK, we are committed to supporting all applicants. If you require any adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. We’re here to help ensure that you can fully participate in the application process.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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