At BAE Systems, we help our customers to stay a step ahead when protecting people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of 107,000 people in more than 40 countries.
From state of the art cyber threat detection to flight control systems that enable pilots to make better decisions, we never stop innovating to ensure that our customers maintain their advantage. This is a long-term commitment involving significant investments in skills. We also work closely with local partners to support economic development through the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
126
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Pros: I've genuinely appreciated the robust career growth opportunities here. As a Head of Risk Management, I've been able to work on incredibly significant projects, enhancing my expertise in defense programs. There are ample learning resources and internal training programs to support continuous development within this large multinational company. The teamwork within my department is strong, and I felt well-supported by senior management. The job security at a company of this scale, especially in
Cons: While career growth is excellent, sometimes the internal promotion process for leadership roles can feel a bit slow or bureaucratic, requiring significant patience. Communication on company-wide changes occasionally takes time to trickle down effectively across a large organization, which can be frustrating. The workload during peak project phases can be demanding, but it's manageable with good planning and supportive colleagues.
Advice to Management: Continue investing in leadership development programs that specifically fast-track promising talent within specialized fields like risk management. Streamlining some of the internal approval processes could also boost efficiency for a large aerospace and defense industry company. Maintaining open and consistent communication channels, especially during strategic shifts, would further enhance employee engagement across all levels in Glasgow and beyond.
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Pros: The company offers excellent job security and a strong sense of teamwork, especially on the major projects in the defence sector. I've had good exposure to complex engineering challenges and opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues, which has been great for my career development in shipbuilding.
Cons: While generally good, there can be periods of high workload, particularly around project milestones. Some internal processes and approval chains can feel a bit slow at times, which occasionally adds to project timelines. More proactive career path planning would be beneficial.
Advice to Management: Continue focusing on mentorship and clear communication regarding project pipelines. Streamlining some administrative processes would enhance efficiency and employee experience. Recognize and reward contributions that drive innovation within the defence sector.
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Pros: BAE Systems offers excellent job security, especially given its role in the defense sector. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, and there are many opportunities for professional development and training. I've learned a lot working on complex systems and have seen colleagues advance into leadership roles through structured programs. It's a great place for long-term career growth.
Cons: The pace can sometimes be slow due to the size of the organization and project complexities. Bureaucracy can occasionally be frustrating, and while there's some flexibility, full remote work isn't always practical for site-based engineering roles. Communication between departments could also be smoother at times.
Advice to Management: Consider streamlining some approval processes to improve project agility and enhance cross-departmental communication for faster decision-making.
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What's the feedback culture like at BAE Systems, especially for early career engineers in the UK aerospace sector?
As an early career engineer at BAE Systems, I've found the feedback culture to be constructive, with regular check-ins and opportunities to discuss performance and development. Mentors are accessible, providing guidance within this large UK defense company.
Does BAE Systems pay on time for its engineers in the UK?
Yes, BAE Systems, a major defense contractor, consistently ensures payroll reliability for its numerous employees across its UK sites. I've always received my salary directly in my account on the scheduled payday without any issues.
What's the commission structure like for sales roles at BAE Systems, especially for defense contracts?
For defense sales roles at BAE Systems, commission is typically performance-based and tied to meeting ambitious targets on large, complex contracts, reflecting the high stakes of the industry and company size.
What kind of career advancement opportunities are there at BAE Systems, especially for an engineer in the defense industry?
BAE Systems offers structured career paths, like the engineering graduate scheme I went through, with clear progression routes and opportunities to move between different projects and locations within the UK defense sector.
What's the dress code like for customer-facing roles at BAE Systems in the UK, especially for engineers?
For customer-facing engineering roles at BAE Systems in the UK, the dress code is generally business casual, focusing on a smart and presentable appearance suitable for client interactions.
What is the sick leave policy like at BAE Systems, especially for engineers in the UK?
BAE Systems offers a decent sick leave policy, including pay, which is good for engineers working on major defence projects in the UK. It provides some peace of mind when you're unwell.
What's the dress code for remote meetings at BAE Systems, especially for entry-level engineering roles?
For remote meetings at BAE Systems, business casual is generally appropriate, even for entry-level roles in areas like engineering. I usually wear a collared shirt, and it's a comfortable way to maintain professionalism while working from home.