About the Company & Graduate Programme
Rolls-Royce is a global leader in power and propulsion systems, standing at the forefront of the world's most critical technological challenges. With a rich heritage in aerospace, defence, and marine engineering, our UK footprint is vast, spanning from our state-of-the-art innovation hubs in Derby and Bristol to our strategic corporate offices in London. We are committed to pioneering the power that matters, focusing on net-zero carbon solutions and digital intelligence that keeps the world moving.
Our Graduate Programme is the cornerstone of our early careers talent strategy. We are looking for inquisitive, bold, and technically minded graduates to join a culture that values safety, integrity, and radical innovation. This intake is pivotal as we transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future; you will be working on projects that redefine modern energy and travel, ensuring that Rolls-Royce remains synonymous with excellence and technological leadership for decades to come.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Rotate through three 8-month placements across core engineering functions such as Systems Engineering, Digital Simulation, Project Management, and Supply Chain Operations.
- Lead on-site project delivery initiatives that directly impact real-world production cycles and engineering efficiency.
- Utilise advanced industry tools, including CAD (Siemens NX), PLM (Teamcenter), and Data Analytics platforms (Python/MATLAB) to drive product optimization.
- Collaborate with senior engineering stakeholders to present data-driven insights and project progress reports.
- Contribute to the development and testing of propulsion technologies, ensuring adherence to rigorous international aerospace safety standards.
- Actively participate in cross-functional squads to solve complex bottleneck issues in the manufacturing lifecycle.
- Engage in continuous improvement exercises, leveraging Lean and Agile methodologies to streamline operational workflows.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- A minimum 2:1 degree (or predicted) in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related STEM disciplines.
- Demonstrable passion for the aerospace or energy sectors and a genuine curiosity about how things are made.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to break down complex technical problems into manageable, actionable components.
- Strong interpersonal skills, showing a proven track record of teamwork and the ability to influence peers.
- Resilience and adaptability, particularly when faced with shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- We welcome applications from all backgrounds; however, you must be eligible to work in the UK without restriction or possess a valid visa that supports our sponsorship criteria.
- A desire to pursue Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional status, as we provide full support for these accreditations.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
Our 24-month programme is meticulously structured to accelerate your professional growth. Through our rotational model, you will gain a holistic view of the business, moving between technical delivery teams and strategy-focused departments. This breadth ensures that by the time you graduate from the scheme, you possess both the deep technical expertise and the commercial acumen required for a future leadership role at Rolls-Royce.
You will never be left to navigate this journey alone. Every graduate is paired with a dedicated 'Buddy' from the previous cohort to help with day-to-day integration, and a Senior Mentor from our engineering leadership team to guide your long-term career strategy. We provide comprehensive training budgets to support your pursuit of formal professional qualifications, including IMechE/IET chartership paths or specific technical certifications in cloud infrastructure and data science.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary: £34,000 – £36,500 per annum depending on experience and location.
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme linked to company and personal objectives.
- Generous non-contributory pension scheme with significant employer matching.
- 25 days annual leave, plus standard UK bank holidays and an option to purchase additional leave.
- Comprehensive private healthcare, dental insurance, and access to an employee assistance/wellbeing portal.
- Hybrid working allowance to support your home office setup.
- Relocation assistance provided for those moving to accommodate rotational placements.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Stage 1: Online Application & CV Submission. We assess your academic background, extracurricular leadership, and interest in our sector.
- Stage 2: Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests. These assessments evaluate your problem-solving style and alignment with our company values.
- Stage 3: On-Demand Video Interview. A series of competency-based questions where you can showcase your communication skills at your own pace.
- Stage 4: Virtual Assessment Centre & Technical Presentation. A half-day session involving group exercises, a technical case study, and an interview with senior managers.
- Note: We operate on a rolling application basis. High-volume roles are often filled before the formal deadline; we urge candidates to submit their applications as early as possible to secure a place.