At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us for a year of hands-on experience in naval architecture and engineering.
- Company: Babcock, a leader in complex engineering projects with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: £26,800 salary pro rata, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Potential pathway to our graduate programme based on performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Final year STEM degree in relevant fields like Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 26800 - 26800 £ per year.
Programme title: Naval Architecture Undergraduate Placement Year
Salary: £26,800 pro rata
Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74771
What You’ll Be Doing
Spend 12 months at the heart of some of the world’s most complex engineering projects. You’ll rotate through placements tailored to your career goals, supported by experienced mentors and the Emerging Talent team. You’ll be immersed in real-world projects that matter, contributing to both current operations and future innovations. Whether it’s analysing submarine stability, supporting live experiments, or helping shape the design of in-service modifications, your work will have tangible impact. You’ll collaborate with experienced engineers, tackle complex challenges, and apply your academic knowledge to solve problems that protect lives and national security. You’ll work with multidisciplinary teams and gain practical skills in stability analysis, hydrodynamics, and survivability. You’ll develop enhanced problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills in a professional engineering environment, and gain a deeper understanding of the full lifecycle of naval platforms – from concept to delivery and through‑life support. Training and support will be provided throughout, helping you grow professionally and prepare for your future career.
What You’ll Get Out Of It
Our placements are about more than work experience – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you apart in your future career. You’ll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way. We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what’s right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme – your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.
What You’ll Need
You must be entering your final year of a STEM-based degree such as Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Maritime/Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Structural Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics. A degree accredited by RINA/IMarEST is preferred. Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’. Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible. Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for. We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Naval Architecture Undergraduate Placement Year employer: Babcock International Group
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Babcock Technology Centre in Stoke Gifford, Bristol, where you can contribute to vital defence and engineering projects. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, health consultations, and opportunities for professional development, all while promoting a culture of inclusivity and work-life balance. Join us to be part of a global FTSE 100 organisation that values your contributions and supports your career growth in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
Babcock International Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Naval Architecture Undergraduate Placement Year
✨Hit Up Engineering Meetups
Get yourself out there and attend engineering meetups and events in your area. Not only can you learn about the latest trends, but it’s a fab chance to meet professionals who could point you towards placements, including those at companies like Babcock International Group.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget to tap into your university's career services. They often have exclusive placement opportunities and can connect you with companies actively looking for engineering students during recruitment seasons. Plus, they might have some tips specifically tailored for getting into firms like Babcock International Group!
✨Participate in Relevant Projects
Get involved in engineering projects or collaborate on university initiatives. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers like Babcock International Group that you're proactive and passionate about engineering, and it can lead to networking opportunities that land you a placement.
✨Apply Early and Often
Placement opportunities can slip away quickly, so make sure you're applying as soon as they're advertised. Keep an eye on our website for openings with firms like Babcock International Group, and consider applying to multiple roles to increase your chances of finding the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Naval Architecture Undergraduate Placement Year
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:As an engineering placements applicant, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, be it in university or personal initiatives. We love seeing your hands-on experience, so don't shy away from including details about the technologies you used and the problems you solved.
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:When crafting your CV, focus on engineering-specific skills and tools you're familiar with. Mention software proficiency, technical skills, and any engineering-related modules or coursework that showcase your knowledge and experience relevant to the role at Babcock International Group.
Express Your Enthusiasm!:In your cover letter, take the chance to express why you're excited about this placement at Babcock International Group. Highlight how this opportunity aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Your motivation is just as important as your qualifications!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any engineering certifications or completed online courses that enhance your skills, be sure to mention them. These little extras can really boost your application and show that you're keen to learn and develop as an engineer during your placement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
For an engineering placement like the one at Babcock International Group, make sure you're well-versed in the fundamental concepts relevant to the specific engineering discipline you're applying for. Be prepared to tackle a few technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of essential theories.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio of projects can really set you apart. Whether it's your academic work, personal projects, or technical challenges you've tackled, be ready to discuss them. If possible, bring any relevant materials along, as visual aids can help you articulate your thought process and design choices more clearly in the eyes of your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In the engineering field, it's not just about knowing the theory; you'll often have to solve real-world problems on the spot. Make sure you can approach a problem methodically, explaining your thought process. Practice common engineering scenarios or case studies related to your desired role to build your confidence.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is a placement, employers at Babcock International Group are looking for potential over perfection. Be upfront about what you hope to learn and how passionate you are about growing in the engineering field. Show that you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to absorb knowledge and gain experience from seasoned professionals.
