General Dynamics UK

What is General Dynamics UK?

General Dynamics UK is one of the UK's leading defence and security companies and an important supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence. A subsidiary of the US-listed General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), the company has more than 60 years' experience delivering mission-critical technology for the British Armed Forces.

The company's work spans three core areas: tactical communications systems including Bowman and the next-generation Evolve to Open (EvO) platform, the AJAX family of armoured fighting vehicles for the British Army, and avionic mission systems used on military aircraft around the world. General Dynamics UK plays a vital role in the UK's sovereign defence capability.

Where will I work?

General Dynamics UK operates from three main sites across the UK. The headquarters is at Oakdale Business Park in Blackwood, South Wales, home to the Mission Systems division. The Merthyr Tydfil site in South Wales houses the Land Systems division responsible for AJAX vehicle production. The Hastings site on the East Sussex coast focuses on Mission Systems engineering for air and naval platforms.

Roles are primarily office and facility-based given the nature of defence work, with some positions requiring security clearance.

What is the General Dynamics UK team like?

With over 1,000 employees across its three UK sites, General Dynamics UK brings together highly skilled engineers, project managers, and specialists in systems integration, software development, and advanced manufacturing. The company invests heavily in its people through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, a Chartered Engineering Programme, and partnerships with local universities and colleges.

The culture emphasises collaboration, innovation, and purpose. Employees work on technology that directly supports the armed forces community, and many cite the meaningful nature of the work as a key reason for joining and staying.

Work-Life Balance

General Dynamics UK offers a 9-day fortnight, giving employees every other Friday off at full pay. This structured approach to reduced hours reflects the company's commitment to employee wellbeing while maintaining the high standards required in the defence sector. With 40 hours spread across 9 days in a two-week cycle, staff benefit from regular long weekends throughout the year.

Perks and Benefits

• 9-day fortnight with every other Friday off at full pay
• Employer pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Childcare vouchers
• Training courses and professional development
• Chartered Engineering Programme
• Higher education support
• Apprenticeship and graduate schemes
• STEM outreach and community engagement