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- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for naval platforms and critical defence programmes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in marine engineering with a focus on national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval engineering while making a real impact on national security.
- Qualifications: Degree in Marine or Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in naval engineering.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong career development and mentoring opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, Rosyth Fife or Bristol
Compensation: Competitive + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Lead the Future of Marine Engineering
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Engineer at one of our various sites.
The role
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of naval platforms, delivering innovative mechanical engineering solutions that support critical defence and marine programmes—including the Type 31 Frigate and Arrowhead‑class vessels. This is a senior, high‑impact role where you’ll guide multidisciplinary engineering teams, influence major maritime projects, and contribute to cutting‑edge naval capability. It’s an opportunity to develop your career through exposure to complex engineering challenges while helping deliver work that strengthens national security and protects those who serve.
Day-to-day, you’ll have the following responsibilities:
- Lead and guide engineering teams, providing technical oversight to ensure systems integrate seamlessly with project and customer requirements.
- Deliver engineering support across power and propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems, ensuring compliance with maritime and naval standards.
- Resolve production and installation queries, including alignment, non‑compliance investigations, and liaison with Classification Societies.
- Produce, review, and approve engineering documentation such as specifications, calculations, and technical reports.
- Act as a key technical interface with customers, OEMs, and suppliers, maintaining strong and collaborative working relationships.
This is a full‑time position, working 35 hours per week, based at either Devonport, Bristol or Rosyth. Hybrid working patterns are available, with an expectation of regular onsite presence.
Essential experience of the Principal Engineer:
- Significant experience producing and approving detailed engineering outputs, including specifications, calculations, and commissioning documentation.
- Strong working knowledge of engineering procedures, codes, and standards.
- Proficiency with CAD tools (2D/3D), systems analysis software, and engineering platforms.
- Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex engineering projects.
- Experience mentoring and developing engineering talent to build capability and performance.
Qualifications for the Principal Engineer:
- Degree in Marine, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
- Chartered Engineer status with a recognised institution (e.g., RINA, IMechE, IMarEST, IET).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in naval or marine engineering.
- Expertise in power and propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems.
- Strong working knowledge of IMO, SOLAS, and Classification Society standards (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV).
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
Principal Engineer in Bristol employer: Babcock International Group
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the marine engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with multidisciplinary teams and how you've tackled complex engineering challenges. Show them you're the right fit for guiding their projects!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise in naval and marine engineering. Share articles or insights related to the industry to showcase your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining Babcock and contributing to the future of marine engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience in marine engineering, leadership, and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about marine engineering and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Babcock. Don’t forget to mention your chartered status!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be sure to include your proficiency with CAD tools and any engineering platforms you’ve used. Mention specific projects where you’ve applied these skills, especially in power and propulsion or HVAC systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of marine and mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to power and propulsion systems. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in past projects, as this will show your technical expertise and relevance to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Discuss specific challenges you faced and how you guided your team to success, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage complex engineering projects effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Standards
Make sure you understand the key maritime and naval standards, such as IMO and SOLAS. Being able to articulate how you've ensured compliance in previous roles will impress interviewers and show that you're well-versed in industry requirements.
✨Engage with Technical Documentation
Be prepared to discuss your experience with producing and reviewing engineering documentation. Bring examples of specifications or technical reports you've worked on, as this will illustrate your attention to detail and ability to communicate complex information clearly.
