Marine Structures Graduate Programme

About the Programme

Are you excited by large-scale engineering, world-leading naval technology, and solving real-world problems? Our Marine Structures Graduate Programme offers the chance to work on some of the most complex structural engineering projects in the defence sector. You will support the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, explore future submarine concepts, and help deliver advanced marine platforms.

As part of multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to live projects for the Royal Navy and international customers. Responsibilities may include structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis, designing platform structures for explosive shock survivability, conducting technical investigations, safety certifications, feasibility studies, or platform surveys. This role touches every stage of a platform’s lifecycle, allowing you to develop practical skills with software like Ansys and AutoCAD, gain exposure to pressure hull theory and engineering standards, and build a solid foundation in structural design and analysis. Whether supporting submarine decommissioning, modernising small vessels, or shaping the future of unmanned marine technologies, you will be part of a team creating innovative, high-integrity solutions.

Programme Structure

This is a two-year programme designed to provide breadth, variety, and meaningful experience across our Marine Structures teams. Through a series of rotational placements, you will explore different aspects of structural engineering in a real-world defence environment. Each placement is carefully planned to offer valuable experience on live projects and build your understanding of structural design, safety, analysis, and lifecycle management.

During the programme, you may have the opportunity for placements in different locations, broadening your technical experience and professional network, and deepening your understanding of our business operations.

Development and Support

From day one, you will receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. We offer full guidance and cover associated fees to support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.

Career Progression

Upon completing the programme, you will move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can apply and expand your skills. You’ll have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, supporting your journey into advanced roles like Senior Engineer. As a global organisation, Babcock provides numerous opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career through the Babcock Role Framework, offering a transparent view of career pathways and development opportunities.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, wellbeing, and life outside of work. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including a cycle to work scheme and discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Application Requirements

You must have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, or MSc in one of the following subjects: Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Shipbuilding, Offshore Engineering, Composites, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering.

This programme requires you to be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, which may impact eligibility based on your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency.

Location

Places are available in Rosyth, Scotland. Our 320-acre Rosyth facility is a large, advanced waterside manufacturing and repair site. As a graduate here, you may be involved in the life-cycle support of naval vessels or helping to deliver complex, large-scale marine build projects. Work spans the full spectrum of marine engineering, from design to delivery and maintenance, offering the chance to contribute to high-profile programmes.

This role requires on-site attendance, meaning you must be able to reliably commute to the site by your start date. This typically requires living within a reasonable commuting distance or relocating. While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different UK sites are possible, and flexibility and openness to relocation are encouraged.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and may close early if there is high interest. We recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If you apply to more than one, your first application will be assessed. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other eligible programmes.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome discussions about adjustments or support needed at any stage. Contact accesshelp@babcockinternational.com to discuss your needs. We are committed to building an inclusive culture and are happy to discuss flexible working patterns at interview.