What it’s like working at BAE Systems
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Head office doesn’t understand the frontline
Do people think BAE Systems head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work
How we know this
59% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they workBased on information from 59 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
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Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at BAE Systems?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working
How we know this
- 8% report getting one week notice or less
- 5% report getting two weeks notice
- 0% report getting three weeks notice
- 32% report getting four weeks notice or more
- 55% report having a fixed rota
Based on information from 60 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
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People enjoy their job
Do people at BAE Systems enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job
How we know this
67% of people report they enjoy their jobBased on information from 9 job reviews
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Good choice of shifts
Do BAE Systems workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Most people get enough choice over which shifts they work
How we know this
62% report that their manager gives them enough choice over which shifts they workBased on information from 42 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
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People aren’t stressed
Is it stressful to work at BAE Systems?
Most people don’t feel stressed here
How we know this
65% of people say they don’t feel stressed at workBased on information from 66 job reviews
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
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Breaks are paid
Do workers at BAE Systems get paid breaks?
Usually. Most people get paid breaks
How we know this
58% of people say they get paid breaksBased on information from 65 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
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Opportunities to progress
Are people given support to progress at BAE Systems?
Most people are given support to progress here
How we know this
In the last year, 59% of people report being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their roleBased on information from 59 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
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People recommend their team
Do people at BAE Systems recommend working with their team?
Most people recommend working with their team
How we know this
74% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friendBased on information from 66 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
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Easy to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at BAE Systems?
People find it easy to book holidays
How we know this
92% of people report it’s easy to book holidaysBased on information from 65 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
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Easy to change shifts
How easy is it for BAE Systems workers to change shifts?
People find it easy to change shifts
How we know this
81% of people report that it’s easy to change shifts if they need toBased on information from 27 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
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Easy to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at BAE Systems?
People find it easy to take sick leave
How we know this
94% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sickBased on information from 63 job reviews
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Enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at BAE Systems?
People get enough training when they start
How we know this
83% of people report they got enough training when they started working hereBased on information from 64 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
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Good for parents
Is working at BAE Systems good if you have caring responsibilities?
People say this is a good place to work if you care for a child or other relative
How we know this
89% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to workBased on information from 27 job reviews
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
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No short notice shift changes
Do BAE Systems managers change shifts at short notice?
Managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice
How we know this
95% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minuteBased on information from 58 job reviews
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
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People are paid enough to live on
Does BAE Systems pay enough to live on?
People are paid enough to live on
How we know this
97% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they liveBased on information from 61 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The Real Living Wage is currently £9.50 per hour, and £10.85 per hour in London.
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People are paid market rates
Does BAE Systems pay market rates?
People are paid market rates
How we know this
83% of people are paid average or more than the typical pay for the type of work they doBased on information from 30 job reviews
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
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People get proper breaks
Do people at BAE Systems get proper breaks?
People get proper breaks
How we know this
92% of people report that they get to take proper breaksBased on information from 64 job reviews
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
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People get sick pay
Does BAE Systems pay sick pay?
Yes. People get proper sick pay
How we know this
92% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to workBased on information from 66 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
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Good for students
Is a BAE Systems job good for students?
Students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying
How we know this
100% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studyingBased on information from 5 job reviews
Why this matters
A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.
Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.
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Managers are respectful
Do people at BAE Systems feel treated by respect by their managers?
People feel treated with respect by their managers
How we know this
75% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managersBased on information from 61 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
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No unpaid extra work
Do workers at BAE Systems do extra work that they don't get paid for?
No. People don’t do unpaid extra work
How we know this
93% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid workBased on information from 58 job reviews
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
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Well informed about head office
Do workers feel well informed about how BAE Systems is doing?
People feel well informed about how the company is doing
How we know this
83% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a wholeBased on information from 64 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
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People don’t worry about getting enough hours
Do workers at BAE Systems worry about hours?
People don’t worry about getting enough hours
How we know this
95% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hoursBased on information from 41 job reviews
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
BAE Systems Q+A
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Join BreakroomHow BAE Systems ranks
BAE Systems ranks joint 8th to work for in Best manufacturing companies to work for
- 6= Princes Food
- 8= BAE Systems
- 8= CSM Machinery
Pay ranges at BAE Systems
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£14.26–22.38 per hour
BAE Systems job reviews
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Best thing
My line manager, the people, the work, flexible hours/working
Worst thing
Lack of development
Senior Operations Engineer, March 2021
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Best thing
Knowing the outcome is the best result for all involved
Worst thing
It was only temporary
Employee, June 2021
About
BAE Systems is an international defence, aerospace and security company.
Jobs by location
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3 job openings
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1 job opening
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1 job opening
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1 job opening
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1 job opening
Handy to know
How much notice do people get of their shifts?
Based on 60 employees
What contracts are people on?
Based on 39 employees
How are people paid?
Based on 67 employees
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Join Breakroom to unlock insights about BAE Systems and thousands of other employers.
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