BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively across 10 countries to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.
Graduate Materials Scientist at PARC
Start Date: April 2026
Base Location: Great Baddow
The graduate programme is designed to give you ownership of your career aspirations, supported by training and practical experience to help you succeed. You will be part of our Future Talent Community and be assigned a Career Manager, who will support and guide you throughout your career with us. All of this is designed to complement your career development, fuel your ambition and give depth to your training and career.
Role Profile
Would you like to work within a varied and interesting role supporting a wide range of products for both defence and commercial sectors?
We are currently growing the team and have a vacancy for a Materials Scientist / Chemist / Metallurgist working at our site in Great Baddow, Essex. As a Materials Scientist, you will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Product Assurance Response Centre (PARC). PARC’s activities include rapid technical troubleshooting services relating to components, production, processes, and green issues. This role involves working across a broad range of industrial operations including avionics, sensors, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacture, sonar systems, radar, and energetic materials. The rapid resolution of technical issues in PARC is crucial to ensuring high performance, quality, value, and competitiveness throughout BAE SYSTEMS and our customers. This position offers the chance to develop your skills in materials science, with exposure to cutting-edge technology and excellent career development opportunities.
Your main responsibilities as a Materials Scientist / Chemist will involve:
* Providing rapid troubleshooting and failure analysis services related to components, production, and processes
* Ensuring high performance, quality, value, and competitiveness throughout BAE Systems
* Using test and analytical equipment to ensure problems are solved promptly, supporting colleagues on various inquiries
* Preparing technical reports, test procedures, process specifications, and other product documentation
* Liaising with internal and external customers, including travel and visits to other business units as part of the troubleshooting service
* Applying knowledge of materials properties, selection, processing, and testing, including polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, adhesives, and surface finishes and coatings
Who are we looking for?
The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to demonstrate objective and logical thinking. A desire to learn, a creative mindset, and effective communication skills are essential. You should work well in a team, show resilience under pressure, and be proficient in Microsoft Office and IT literacy. Membership of a recognized technical institution and knowledge of modern analytical techniques (e.g., SEM/EDX, XRF, 3D X-Ray/CT, Tensile testing, DSC/TGA, FTIR, TMA, DMA, NDT) are advantageous. A proven track record in production, electronics, or quality environments is preferred.
What’s in it for you?
* Work-life balance with 25 days holiday and flexible benefits including the option to buy/sell and carry over holidays
* Benefits such as private medical and dental insurance, a competitive pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, taste cards, and more
* A dedicated Career Manager to support your career development
* Opportunities to join diversity and support groups
* Starting salary of £34,000, increasing during the programme
* £2,000 welcome payment
Entry Requirements
* Obtained or studying towards a 2:2 or above in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Metallurgy
* Graduated within the last 3 years
Security Clearance
Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK and will need to undergo SC clearance prior to starting.
About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
We help governments and organizations navigate digital threats and opportunities, leveraging our security and engineering heritage to transform digital and data practices across various sectors.
Next Steps
* CV submission & review
* Digital assessment
* Live interview
Life at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
We embrace hybrid working, offering flexibility in where and when you work, to promote balance and well-being.
Diversity and inclusion are core to our culture, enabling us to achieve excellence through varied perspectives and backgrounds.
Division overview: Financial Services
Our Financial Services division leads in cyber defense for the financial sector, helping clients combat fraud, unauthorized trading, and money laundering, while meeting regulatory obligations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr