Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme
// Role Summary
Embark on Babcock's Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme, a two-year journey of diverse placements and structured development, contributing to critical UK defence projects while building your path to Chartered Engineer status.
// Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to impactful UK defence projects, from submarines to nuclear power plants.
- Gain broad experience through 3-6 month rotations across the engineering lifecycle.
- Receive structured support, mentorship, and training towards professional registration.
- Benefit from a minimum starting salary of £35,000 and comprehensive benefits package.
- Be based at HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland, supporting vital national defence capabilities.
- Must be able to achieve and maintain BPSS and SC security clearance.
// Role Specification
About the Programme
Join Babcock's Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme and contribute to some of the UK's most significant engineering initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to develop your technical expertise and leadership skills while working on projects that safeguard the future and advance engineering solutions.
At Babcock, you will be involved in various stages of the engineering lifecycle, including technology innovation, concept design, production, in-service support, and decommissioning. You could be designing submarines and surface ships, converting military vehicles, refurbishing vessels, or working on next-generation nuclear power plants contributing to the UK's net-zero targets.
You will collaborate with a global network of engineers and specialists. Your work may involve leading design reviews, overseeing stress analysis, or managing the integration of mechanical systems, ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of critical national infrastructure.
Programme Structure
The two-year programme features rotations in placements every three to six months, allowing you to explore diverse projects and teams. These rotations are designed to broaden your experience, potentially involving different locations, and help you build your professional network and understand business operations.
You will build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, gradually taking on more responsibility, such as leading small teams and overseeing projects. Rotations can be aligned with your interests and career aspirations, enabling you to gain relevant experience.
Development and Support
From the outset, you will receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship. You will join the Graduate Development Programme, which includes expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
Babcock supports your journey towards Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, providing guidance and covering associated fees.
Career Progression
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will transition into a permanent role within the Engineering Function, continuing to apply and expand your developed skills. You can further build on your progress towards professional registration, which can lead to advanced roles such as Senior Engineer.
Babcock offers numerous opportunities for skill enhancement and career advancement globally. The Babcock Role Framework provides a transparent view of roles, career pathways, and development opportunities.
Rewards and Benefits
Babcock offers a comprehensive package designed to support your development, wellbeing, and work-life balance.
- Minimum starting salary of £35,000.
- 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 services, including an Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You will also have opportunities to participate in STEM outreach activities and volunteering.
What You Need to Apply
You must have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng or MEng in one of the following disciplines: Mechanical, Structural, Motorsport, Materials, Mechatronics, Engine Systems, Welding, Automotive, or AeroMechanical.
This programme requires the ability to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. Nationality, citizenship, or residency may impact eligibility due to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions.
Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national.
Location
Placements are available at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland. At HMNB Clyde, you will directly support the Royal Navy’s Vanguard and Astute-Class submarines.
You will contribute to the planning, maintenance, and training that ensure the safe and effective operation of vital defence systems. This includes developing technical training, supporting maintenance schedules, and improving the performance and reliability of mechanical systems.
Agile working is offered, with an expectation of several days on-site per week. You must be able to reliably commute to the site or be willing to relocate.
While based at HMNB Clyde, placements at different sites across the UK may be possible, and flexibility and openness to relocation are encouraged.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed as received, and may close earlier than advertised due to high interest. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
Please apply to only one programme. If oversubscribed, you may be contacted to discuss other eligible programmes.
Babcock is a Disability Confident Employer. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us when applying.
We are committed to building an inclusive culture and are happy to discuss flexible working options.