NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.6 million flights and keep 250 million passengers safe whilst in UK airspace. We provide air traffic management (ATM) services to 15 airports in the UK as well as providing these services around the world spanning Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.
We’re shaping the future of ATM through our focus on ‘advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe’ and believe that the size and diversity of our business makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.
Have you ever wondered how technology, people and complex systems work together to keep aircraft moving safely through UK airspace?
As a Graduate Solution Architect at NATS, you will help explore how our systems and services need to evolve for the future. You will work on real strategic challenges, helping turn ambitious ideas into solutions that are safe, practical and deliverable.
You do not need previous architecture experience. We are looking for curious people who enjoy solving problems, understanding how things connect and explaining complex ideas clearly.
Strategy defines what an organisation wants to achieve. Solution architecture helps work out how it can realistically be delivered. It means looking at the bigger picture, including how systems, services and teams work together, understanding dependencies, risks and constraints, and considering the choices and trade-offs needed before investing in change.
The role is not focused on detailed design or coding. It is about using structured thinking and sound judgement to help the organisation make informed decisions.
With support from experienced architects, engineers and operational specialists, you will:
As your confidence and experience grow, you will have opportunities to take greater ownership of architecture work, supported by your manager and the wider team.
You’ll be working at the heart of our organisation alongside other apprentices, graduates and experienced professionals. You’ll gain valuable insight into our business while making a tangible contribution to our success.
Your graduate scheme experience will give you the opportunity to build skills in systems thinking, solution architecture, risk and dependency analysis, technical strategy, roadmapping and architectural modelling.
You’ll learn from experienced architects and operational specialists, gain exposure to real strategic decisions and develop your ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences.
You may also have opportunities to work towards relevant professional qualifications and learn established architecture, modelling and service management approaches.
On successful completion of the graduate scheme, there may be an opportunity to progress into an Associate Solution Architect role or continue your career within the wider Strategic Planning team.
We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: we can only achieve these targets through our people. We’ll be leading the way technically, operationally, commercially and politically, and you can help us shape the future.
You’ll need to have achieved a minimum 2:2 in a relevant degree, or be on track to achieve one.
To be eligible to apply, you must have indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates whose right to work is time-limited or dependent on visa sponsorship.
You must be able to obtain Security Clearance (SC Level).
If you apply and meet the minimum requirements for the scheme, you’ll be invited to complete online tests. Candidates who pass this stage may be invited to a virtual assessment centre.
Assessment centres will be held between 30 November and 11 December 2026.
The start date for the scheme is 6 September 2027.
NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Towards the end of your scheme, you will complete an End of Scheme Board to assess your growth and development across the programme. Subject to successful completion of the scheme, individual performance and business requirements, there may be an opportunity for you to transition into a substantive role within your chosen area.
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