Unspecified
Graduate Development Programme (GDP) – Join Raytheon UK
Role: Graduate Quality Engineer
Location(s): Harlow/Glenrothes/Livingston on-site/hybrid working
Travel: Occasional travel to UK facilities and overseas as required for the role and Early Careers events
Starting Salary: £34,000 plus company benefits
Type: Permanent – 2-year Graduate Development Programme (GDP), with biannual pay reviews
Start Date: Monday 7 September 2026
Hours: Full-Time
About the Role
This role offers the candidate the opportunity to join the Harlow/Glenrothes/Livingston Quality Engineering team as a Graduate Quality Engineer, working across a range of programmes, developing additional capacity within the Quality Engineering team to further the strategic growth of the business.
The Graduate Quality Engineer will support activities in relation to the full lifecycle of the products for UK & Export Customers. This could involve supporting integration and validation activities that can require travelling in the UK and abroad.
The role will be based at Raytheon’s Harlow, Glenrothes and/or Livingston facilities 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 Quality Engineer will support the Design Authorities, Manufacturing and Engineering teams in a variety of activities across the Weapons and Sensors business areas. This may be in support of 3 main business activities, namely:
1. Production (where established products are provided to our Customers)
2. Development (where improvements to new and existing systems are identified and assessed)
3. Integration (where you could be asked to provide engineering effort to deliver the integration of products onto candidate platforms).
In the role of a Graduate Quality Engineer, you will work throughout the product life cycle. This will include verifying and validating quality requirements and providing objective evidence of compliance through a structured audit program. You will work with other SME’s (subject matter experts) such as program managers and engineers to understand and verify requirements and compliance to customer and regulatory requirements. 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 Quality Engineer will be expected to grow their experience within the team and progress to leading their own activities and initiatives.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
4. Minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree in Quality, Program Management, Engineering (or similar technical or science subject) already achieved or to be completed by 7 September 2026
5. The successful candidate will be required to complete and obtain the Baseline Security Clearance application. Please visit the government website for further information:
6. Flexibility on location and ability to travel to our UK facilities and overseas
7. Excellent STEM skills demonstrated through academic achievement
8. A passion for succeeding in a fast-paced, technology industry– We explain our Org in the “about us” section
9. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships
10. A full CV, including your university and pre-university grades (GCSE/National 5/Highers/Advanced Highers/A Levels/College Course, etc.), and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for this role at Raytheon UK
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:
11. Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills through coaching, mentoring, and career development support
12. Business Skills: Gain hands-on experience in project management, supply chain, strategy, and more, working on real-world business challenges
13. Join our award winning STEM team at UK wide events from Airshows to careers talks.
14. 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.
15. Microsoft Training: Improving skills in Excel and PowerPoint
16. Opportunities to complete professional qualifications relevant to the role and career development (e.g. Charterships with relevant Engineering Institutions)
17. Pay Reviews: Biannual pay reviews in your first two years to ensure your career growth is matched with competitive compensation
18. 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.”
Application Process
To apply, visit our careers website: 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. It is mandatory to include a cover letter for this role, so please ensure you submit one. If you fail to submit a cover letter, unfortunately, we will not be able to progress your application. To find out more about Raytheon UK visit our website:
What to include in your cover letter:
19. Why you want to join Raytheon UK and pursue this specific role
20. How your skills and experiences align with the position
21. 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.
Standard Benefits
22. 25 days holiday, plus statutory public holidays
23. Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 10.5% company contribution)
24. Life Assurance (up to 6x salary)
25. Flexible Benefits package
26. Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave)
27. 37-hour working week, with early finish on Fridays (hours may vary depending on role and site)
28. Flexible working options available, where possible
29. On-site canteen and free snacks & drinks at select locations
Equal Opportunities
RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Support and Adjustments
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 3 (Leader) employer, committed to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for everyone.
As part of this commitment, we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role. Please let us know on your application if you would like to apply under this scheme.