About the Company & Graduate Programme
Rolls-Royce is a world-leading industrial technology company, pioneering the power that matters. From civil aerospace and defence to power systems, our engineering legacy spans over a century, defining the future of travel and energy transition. With a significant footprint in the UK, we operate at the intersection of complex mechanical engineering and cutting-edge digital transformation.
Our Graduate Digital & Systems Engineering Programme is pivotal to our future. As we pivot towards Net Zero and sustainable aviation, we are looking for the next generation of thinkers to integrate data analytics, systems thinking, and software capability into our traditional hardware powerhouse. You will be joining an organisation that values continuous innovation, ethical leadership, and long-term sustainability.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate on the development of digital twins to simulate engine performance and predictive maintenance cycles.
- Engage in cross-functional projects, bridging the gap between hardware engineering teams and software architecture developers.
- Apply data science and machine learning models to identify efficiencies in our supply chain and manufacturing processes.
- Contribute to the systems architecture of next-generation electric and hybrid-electric propulsion units.
- Participate in high-stakes stakeholder meetings, presenting technical findings to senior department heads.
- Utilise advanced modelling tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and Python to drive design iteration.
- Support the digitisation of our service operations, enhancing our ability to provide real-time engine monitoring for global clients.
- Drive a culture of agile project management by participating in daily scrums and sprint planning meetings.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in STEM disciplines including Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
- A deep curiosity for industrial digital transformation and a passion for aerospace or sustainable energy technologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to navigate complex datasets and identify actionable insights.
- Exceptional teamwork skills, demonstrating the ability to collaborate across diverse, multi-disciplinary groups.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical business partners.
- Right-to-work in the UK (we offer full visa sponsorship for qualified international graduates).
- Demonstrable leadership potential shown through academic projects, internships, or extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
This 24-month programme is structured into four six-month rotations, designed to give you a 360-degree view of our business. You will rotate across our Civil Aerospace, Defence, and Power Systems divisions, ensuring you gain a deep understanding of our operational breadth. Each rotation is tailored to your developmental goals, allowing you to build a robust network of peers and leaders across the company.
Support is the cornerstone of our graduate intake. You will be paired with a senior mentor from the business and a buddy from the previous year’s cohort to navigate your integration. Additionally, we provide full funding and study leave for professional qualifications relevant to your path, such as CEng accreditation, AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, or data science bootcamps. Your development is tracked through structured quarterly reviews with your programme manager.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive starting base salary of £35,000 per annum.
- Annual performance-based bonus scheme linked to company success.
- Generous company pension scheme with a matched contribution of up to 10%.
- 26 days of annual leave, plus standard UK bank holidays.
- Comprehensive private medical insurance and access to a holistic mental health support app.
- Flexible working allowance to cover costs associated with our hybrid working model.
- Relocation assistance package available for those moving to London for the programme.
- Access to the Rolls-Royce Employee Share Scheme.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application: Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your motivation for joining our digital transformation journey.
- Gamified Assessment: A series of online cognitive, behavioural, and situational judgement tests designed to assess your problem-solving style.
- On-Demand Video Interview: A pre-recorded session answering key questions on your technical interests and alignment with our company values.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: A full-day event featuring a group exercise, a technical presentation based on a pre-provided case study, and a final interview with a senior business leader.
- We operate on a rolling application basis. High volume is expected, so we strongly encourage early submission to avoid missing the assessment window.