About the Company & Graduate Programme
Rolls-Royce is a pre-eminent engineering company focused on world-class power and propulsion systems. Our UK operations remain at the forefront of the global energy transition, pioneering the technology that will power the future of aviation, maritime, and low-carbon energy. We are not just building engines; we are digitising the future of complex systems, integrating AI, advanced materials, and sustainable engineering to solve the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Our Graduate Programme is the cornerstone of our innovation pipeline. We are looking for the next generation of pioneers to join us in London, where you will engage with high-impact projects that reach across our global supply chains. As a graduate, you are pivotal to our shift towards 'Net Zero', providing fresh perspectives on legacy systems and driving the adoption of emerging technologies that ensure Rolls-Royce remains a market leader for the next century.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Navigate three 8-month rotations across Systems Engineering, Digital Transformation, and Project Management offices to gain a 360-degree view of the business.
- Utilise Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to design and validate complex digital twins of propulsion systems.
- Act as a bridge between technical engineering teams and commercial stakeholders to ensure project milestones are delivered on time and within budget.
- Lead small-scale internal improvement projects focusing on operational efficiency, carbon reduction, or supply chain optimisation.
- Engage with senior leadership through monthly strategic reviews and project presentations, articulating technical progress and risk mitigation strategies.
- Apply data analytics to real-time engine telemetry data to predict maintenance requirements and improve operational safety protocols.
- Participate in cross-functional working groups dedicated to decarbonising civil aerospace and advancing our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) initiatives.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical), Physics, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrable ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights.
- Strong communication skills, capable of translating technical jargon for non-technical senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative mindset, comfortable working in diverse, cross-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Intellectual curiosity and a passion for technology, particularly in sustainable energy and aerospace advancements.
- Right to work in the UK without restriction; we provide visa sponsorship for exceptional international candidates on a case-by-case basis.
- Proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
Our 24-month programme is meticulously structured to accelerate your professional growth. You will be assigned an experienced mentor from the senior leadership team who will guide your career trajectory, alongside a 'buddy' from a previous graduate cohort to help you navigate your first few months. The programme emphasises 'learning by doing,' allowing you to take real ownership of projects while rotating through three distinct departments to build a robust professional network.
Beyond on-the-job experience, we provide comprehensive funding and support for formal qualifications. Whether you are pursuing CEng status through the IMechE or IET, or seeking professional certifications in project management (APM) or cloud architecture (AWS), we offer the financial backing and study leave required to achieve your goals. Our graduate community also organises frequent social and networking events to foster collaboration across different business units.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary: £34,500 – £36,500 per annum, reviewable annually.
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme (typically 5–10% of base salary).
- Contributory pension scheme with company matching up to 10%.
- 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase additional days.
- Comprehensive private medical insurance and extensive wellbeing resources, including mental health support.
- Hybrid working allowance to support your home office setup.
- Relocation assistance package available for candidates moving to the London area.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application: Submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your motivation for joining the aerospace sector.
- Gamified Assessment: A series of cognitive and situational judgement tests designed to evaluate your problem-solving style and values alignment.
- On-Demand Video Interview: A 20-minute digital interview focusing on your technical background and behavioural competencies.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: A full-day event featuring a group exercise, a technical case study presentation, and a final interview with senior managers.
We operate on a rolling basis and encourage early applications as assessment centres fill up quickly. Please visit our careers portal today to start your application.