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- Tasks: Lead engineering in the submarine build programme and ensure quality outcomes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in creating a safe and secure world.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the nuclear sector with innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and extensive leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon or Stoke Gifford, Bristol or Faslane, Helensburgh or Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF67717
Overview
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world. As the Chief Engineer you will play a key role in the submarine build programme, providing strategic engineering leadership within the Nuclear Sector.
Role
As a Chief Engineer you will provide strategic engineering leadership across the Nuclear Sector, ensuring integrated, efficient solutions and end‑to‑end support throughout the full engineering lifecycle. You will:
- Lead the local execution of the Independent Technical Authority (ITA) responsibilities, aligned with Group and Sector Engineering Manuals.
- Ensure engineering delivery within your remit complies with all relevant Group and Sector policies, practices, and procedures.
- Assure the technical integrity and quality of all engineering outcomes within your scope of accountability.
- Oversee and validate the Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP), capacity, and capability across the Sector Engineering Function.
- Provide expert guidance and share lessons learned from the wider business.
This is a full‑time (35 hours per week) role that offers hybrid working with 2 days in office/onsite. The role can be based at any Devonport, Bristol or Clyde Babcock site or at the Barrow shipyard, with frequent travel across sites as required.
Essential Experience
- Extensive inclusive leadership experience in the Nuclear or other safety‑critical industries.
- Proven track record of engineering leadership and stakeholder management, preferably with nuclear sector exposure.
- Experience managing engineering across multiple lifecycle phases in high‑hazard environments, particularly submarine in‑service support and its deployment at Clyde and/or Devonport.
- Strong executive‑level communication, stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills.
- Inquisitive, open‑minded and pragmatic approach to leadership and problem‑solving.
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a related field.
- Member of a recognised professional engineering institution.
- Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent professional standing).
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
What We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
- Employee share scheme.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑day special paid leave.
- Holiday Trading allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables staff to take one working day’s paid leave a year to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
- Excellent development opportunities and an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
EEO Statement
Babcock is a disability‑confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. Babcock is committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements during the interview.
Closing date: 15/05/2026
Chief Engineer employer: Babcock International Group
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the nuclear sector or related industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Babcock and understand their projects, especially in submarine build programmes. Be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past engineering leadership roles and how you've managed high-hazard environments. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply 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 the Babcock team and contributing to a safe and secure world.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience in the Nuclear sector and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your engineering leadership and stakeholder management skills. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work. This helps us see the value you can bring!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in engineering, especially within the nuclear sector. Brush up on key concepts, recent advancements, and relevant regulations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the submarine build programme and the specific challenges it presents.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your inclusive leadership style. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams in high-hazard environments. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with engineering standards and how you engage stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Review the Independent Technical Authority (ITA) responsibilities and be prepared to explain how you would ensure technical integrity and quality in engineering outcomes. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your thought process.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Babcock values inclusivity and employee wellbeing, so show that you resonate with their culture. Familiarise yourself with their initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' and the employee assistance programme. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive work environment and how you can help foster this culture.