Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programme

Programme title: Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Across the UK, including Gloucester

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67014 

What will you do on the programme?

Our Aerospace Engineering programme provides a broad introduction to aviation maintenance engineering, with exposure to a wide range of technical disciplines and operational environments. 

You could find yourself working on aircraft systems to ensure continued airworthiness, gaining insight into aviation safety and compliance, or exploring the human factors that support safe and efficient operations. 

In one placement, you might be building your understanding of safety management processes and the regulatory frameworks that govern aviation. In another, you could be contributing to technical delivery programmes that support frontline capabilities – from air ambulance maintenance and modification work to military flying training on platforms such as the Grob Tutor.

Throughout the programme, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals and technical experts, gaining insight into the full lifecycle of aircraft engineering management. You’ll play an active role in driving continuous improvement and innovation, while building the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful contribution to our operations.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme made up of a series of placements designed to give you a complete view of our Aviation sector. 

As a graduate, you’ll rotate through key engineering and operational areas, such as Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Maintenance Planning and Technical Services, Safety and Regulatory Compliance (MAA, CAA, EASA), Fleet Engineering and Systems Support, Technical Delivery Programmes and Project Delivery, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Support, and Data Analysis and Performance Management. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

Your first year will typically focus on operational roles, helping you build a strong foundation in how our aviation services are delivered and maintained. In your second year, you’ll broaden your experience with placements that offer a wider business perspective. These may involve working with supply chain teams, supporting business development, contributing to bids for new contracts, or gaining insight into programme and contract management.

Whatever you find yourself doing, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from: 

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.  

What do you need to apply?

• An honours degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering or Avionics. 
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Aerospace Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Aviation sector.

Babcock delivers aviation services to civil and defence sectors. In defence, our engineers, ground staff and instructors provide military flying training, air station support and integrated engineering services, enabling armed forces to focus on their core missions.

For civil customers, our pilots and medical teams carry out emergency medical flights, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting, supported by in-house engineering and operations teams.

We design and equip aircraft for diverse missions, including rescue, medical response, wildfire control and aerial policing, tailoring solutions to meet varied customer needs across multiple aircraft types.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.