Relocating to start a new job marks an exciting new chapter in your working life. It’s a chance to grow your career, meet new people and perhaps discover a whole new country or culture. It’s also a chance to play a part in innovative work that helps keep people safe in an increasingly complex world.
Whilst the opportunity is exciting, the number of things to consider with relocation can be overwhelming. That's why we’ve created this guide to help those planning to move - whether that’s a new area in your home country, or internationally.
If you’ve been offered a role in a different area or are searching for your next job, you’re in good hands. At BAE Systems, we support people relocating in key locations such as the UK, Australia, Poland, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Some of our vacancies come with relocation support and many employees have successfully settled into new roles and communities around the world. Many of these roles contribute to pioneering projects, advancing technology, protecting what really matters, making a real difference to national and global security.
Having this excellent support from your new employer is often vital to making your move a successful and long-lasting next stage in your career.
For anyone thinking of relocating to a new area for a role, my advice would be to do your research on the role and location and lean into the support, resources and network available to you. I’m so glad I made the move! BAE Systems is an exciting place to work and the opportunities are endless.CelinaTechnical manager in Warton who relocated to Manchester.
What are the reasons to relocate for a job?
There are many reasons why people choose to relocate for work. For some, it’s one major factor. For others, it’s a mix of career, lifestyle and personal drivers. The most common reasons include:
- Career growth - Relocation can give you the chance to work on world-leading projects or step into a more senior role. You could join teams driving technological progress and working on projects that help safeguard people and nations.
- A better lifestyle - Relocating may provide a higher quality of life, whether that’s shorter commutes in Poland, outdoor living in Australia or cultural experiences in Malaysia. You’ll also be part of work that supports secure communities and strengthens local industries.
- Financial incentives - The draw of a relocation could quite simply be a much higher salary or better benefits at your new workplace. Or perhaps you’re tempted by a lower cost of living, depending on the destination.
- Moving closer to family - Another big pull could be the prospect of living much closer to family and friends. This can help strengthen your family’s support network and perhaps benefit your general lifestyle and social life.
- Personal growth - Adapting to a new home, new area and new role simultaneously is an exciting experience, which requires you to step firmly out of your comfort zone and grow on a personal level. It can also provide a fresh start and a new adventure, which makes life much more interesting. This type of move is often what helps people grow into roles where they can solve real problems and have a positive impact.
What to consider when relocating for a job?
You may be itching to start life in a new location. But there are many important things to consider before you pack your bags. We’ve rounded up some tips on preparing best when you’re relocating:
- Calculate the cost of living - Find out how your daily costs will change for things such as food, transport, energy, childcare and entertainment. For example, living in the UK differs significantly from Malaysia or Australia. Tools such as Numbeo’s cost of living index are useful for comparison.
- Know the legal requirements - If you’re moving internationally, you may need to secure a work permit or visa to make your employment legal. In Saudi Arabia or Australia, for example, these can take time to process. It’s always best to ask your new employer what is needed, how much this costs and what the general timescale is for the process. To get more familiar with the site, you could also do some background reading on government websites. In countries where we deliver sensitive or critical programmes, these requirements are in place to help protect customers and communities.
- Scope out the housing market - Try using online tools to research the local housing market for property prices and rental options. UK government tools help with local housing data, while in Poland or Malaysia, expat forums can offer practical insights.
- Research healthcare and schools - Access to healthcare and education varies widely. In the UK, the NHS offers universal healthcare. In Australia or Saudi Arabia, private healthcare and international schools may be more common.
- Map out your commute - Understand transport options and commuting times in the location or nature of your new job. In larger cities like Kuala Lumpur or London, public transport may be key, whereas in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia or Barrow-in-Furness in the UK, driving may be essential.
- Ask about the working culture - Last but not least, we recommend finding out as much as possible about the workplace and team you’ll be joining. An HR and recruitment team, such as our team at BAE Systems, can offer support during your transition. This allows you to learn more about the working culture, so you know what to expect from your new role and colleagues. You’ll be joining teams united by a shared purpose to innovate, collaborate and help protect those who rely on what we deliver.
What are the planning considerations when relocating internationally?
If you’re moving to another country for a job, it will be both an exciting and testing time for you and your family. The more planning you can do before your plane touches down, the smoother the transition will be.
We recommend that you consider the following things well ahead of your move:
- Applying for visas and work permits - This will be required for anyone who’s not a citizen already. The earlier you can start on your application, the better. It can often be a time-consuming process, especially for moves to Saudi Arabia or Australia.
- Big differences in the cost of living - Research and compare everyday expenses before you commit. Poland, for example, has different housing and transport costs compared with the UK or Australia.
- Building networks - It can be hugely valuable to connect with expat communities and forums - both on and offline - or colleagues who’ve made similar moves. They can share advice on housing, healthcare and cultural adjustment in locations such as Malaysia or Saudi Arabia.
Whether you’re interested in engineering, technology, or business, we offer a supportive environment to kick-start your career!
Relocating within the same country?
Domestic moves may be simpler than international ones, but they still require careful planning.
For example, in the UK, BAE Systems employees often relocate to areas such as Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow, Warton or Portsmouth to work on pioneering defence projects. These projects play an important role in protecting national security and supporting the people who keep us safe.
We recommend that you visit the area before making the move to get a good feel for everything it offers.
If you’re able to meet with members of your new team, this will be even more helpful. They can guide you on everything from the best commuting options to the best days out in the area.
Where could you relocate for your next BAE Systems role?
- Relocating to the UK - the UK offers opportunities to work on some of the world’s most advanced defence and aerospace projects. These programmes help protect the UK and its allies and drive advancements that shape the future of national security. With over 50 sites across the UK, you can take your career wherever you want to. Every site is unique, just like every member of our UK team. Locations such as Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow, Warton and Portsmouth are major hubs for BAE Systems. Relocating for jobs in the UK means access to strong public services, the NHS for healthcare and a wide choice of schools and cultural experiences.
- Relocating to Australia - Australia combines world-class engineering projects with an outdoor lifestyle. This includes work that strengthens Australia’s defence capability and supports secure communities across the region. Across 40 sites in every mainland state and territory of Australia, we are privileged to have thousands of talented and experienced people delivering valuable and significant work. From shipbuilding in Osborne to advanced defence projects in Melbourne, relocating for jobs in Australia offers professional growth alongside sunny weather and vibrant cities. International schools and healthcare are well established, making it attractive for families.
- Relocating to Poland - Poland is a growing hub for technology and engineering talent. At BAE Systems Poland, we’re leading the way in cyber security, communications intelligence and digital transformation. This work protects critical networks and helps customers stay ahead of emerging cyber threats. With lower living costs compared to many Western European countries, relocating to Poland for work can provide a strong work-life balance. Cities like Warsaw and Poznań offer modern infrastructure, historic and cultural attractions and excellent career opportunities with BAE Systems.
- Relocating to Malaysia - Malaysia is an exciting international location where tradition meets modern living. At our Malaysian Global Delivery Centre in Kuala Lumpur, we deliver software engineering services in the industries of defence, government and cybersecurity to meet our customer’s needs. Our teams play a key role in protecting vital systems and supporting secure digital growth across Asia. Relocating for work in Malaysia means immersing yourself in a diverse culture, enjoying an affordable cost of living and benefiting from well-connected transport links across Asia.
- Relocating to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia offers unique professional opportunities to contribute to exciting national projects. For more than 50 years, BAE Systems has been working closely with both governments to fulfil important defence commitments and help Saudi Arabia strengthen its security. You’ll be contributing to important programmes that support long-term stability and the development of future-ready defence capability. Relocating for jobs in Saudi Arabia allows you to experience a fast-developing economy and a rich cultural heritage. Many expats enjoy supportive communities, modern housing and international schools.
Jobs that help with relocation
Getting support from your new employer can make a huge difference to making your relocation experience successful. At BAE Systems, we offer guidance and relocation support to help employees settle in whether they are moving within the UK, to Australia, Poland, Malaysia or Saudi Arabia.
We want our people to feel empowered from day one and our teams work hard to make each transition as smooth as possible for employees and their families. This support helps people step into meaningful roles quickly so they can focus on contributing to impactful projects.
Learn more about BAE Systems
BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. Our work helps shape a safer future as we develop new technologies and protect those who protect us.
Find out more about life at BAE Systems, browse our latest job vacancies or read more inspiring stories from members of our team.