Industrial Placement - Control Systems Engineer

Industrial Placement Control Systems Engineer

Are you ready to gain practical engineering experience by working on critical technology that supports the UK’s submarines? At Northrop Grumman UK, we are seeking an Industrial Placement Control Systems Engineer to join our team.

As an Industrial Placement Control Systems Engineer, you will help design and develop the systems that monitor, manage, and automate critical functions across the UK’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Your work will contribute to the safe, reliable, and secure operation of an important UK defence capability.

You will work with PLC, SCADA, and industrial network technologies, supporting the design, integration, and testing of control systems for submarines that will remain in service for decades. You will also help maintain and upgrade existing systems while contributing to the next generation of control system solutions.

This is an opportunity to apply your academic learning, develop practical engineering skills, and contribute to mission-critical technology with long-term impact.

Our Industrial Placement Programme

Our structured 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is designed to help you develop the practical skills needed to build a successful career in defence and technology. Starting in September 2027, the programme will give you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful engineering work and take part in an Industrial Placement group project. You will have a dedicated mentor, buddy, project lead, and line manager, providing guidance and support throughout your placement.

What you’ll do

• Capture, interpret, and develop customer requirements.
• Specify, design, and test PLC and SCADA control system solutions.
• Develop PLC and SCADA code using block diagrams, flowcharts, pseudocode, and other design formats.
• Validate software designs through structured analysis and testing.
• Produce accurate technical documentation in line with company and customer procedures.
• Help diagnose faults and support existing solutions at customer sites across the UK.

Along the way, you could develop experience in:

• PLC programming
• SCADA systems
• Industrial Ethernet
• Industrial control systems
• Software testing and validation
• Requirements engineering
• Fault-finding and operational support

What we’re looking for

We are looking for students who are curious about how technology works, enjoy solving challenging problems, and want to develop practical experience in control systems engineering. You will bring a passion for learning and an interest in how automation and software can support safe, reliable performance in mission-critical environments.

Essential:

• Currently working towards a relevant degree, such as Electronics, Systems or Software Engineering (or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills through work experience or other training).
• Experience or knowledge of software development lifecycles, processes, and procedures.
• A genuine interest in control systems, automation technologies, and software development.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to develop effective solutions to a variety of technical issues.

We welcome applications from candidates who have gained relevant skills outside of traditional degree routes. If you've built your expertise through work experience, an apprenticeship, professional certifications, bootcamps, open-source contributions, or significant personal projects, then we encourage your application.

If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Sometimes people hesitate because they cannot tick every box. If this opportunity interests you and you believe you could grow into the role, we would like to hear from you.

Security clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must have Sole UK citizenship and be able to gain and maintain UK Government Security Check clearance in line with the requirements of the role. Travel required is approximately 10%.

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements and compressed fortnights with every other Friday off.
• Private healthcare, dental, life assurance, and pension.
• Flexible benefits package, including critical illness cover and a health cash plan.
• Holiday buy and sell scheme.
• Career development programmes.
• Annual performance incentive programme.

Contact Earlycareers@uk.ngc.com for further information or to learn more about the programme, the role, or the security clearance process.