At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of critical infrastructure for the Royal Navy and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, matched pension scheme, health checks, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in MEP systems required.
The predicted salary is between 59110 - 82654 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon (Hybrid Work: 2 days onsite, 3 days remote)
Compensation: Starting from £59,110 + benefits
Type: Full time / Permanent
Closing Date: 27/11/2025
The Role
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer you will lead the design and development of critical infrastructure for the Royal Navy. You will review and approve contractor designs, ensuring compliance and excellence throughout the full design lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Review, approve and accept mechanical designs for major infrastructure projects.
- Advising contractors and stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and compliance.
- Use CAD and 3D modelling tools (e.g., Autodesk, Inventor) to assess design proposals.
- Collaborate with technical authorities and engineering managers across Babcock.
- Support the growth of a specialist engineering team within Strategic Infrastructure.
Essential Experience
- Previous senior engineering role, ideally with line management duties.
- Proven experience in MEP systems for industrial or building design.
- Strong background in design engineering, including CAD or BIM.
- Ability to operate in highly regulated environments.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Qualifications
- Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
- Chartered Engineer status preferred (or significant experience in lieu).
- Additional certifications in building services or nuclear environments advantageous.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve Security Check (SC) clearance. Eligibility may be affected by place of birth, nationality, citizenship and residency.
What We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
- Access to Digital GP, annual health checks and nutritional consultations via Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme and shopping savings portal
- Professional fees paid
- Reservists receive 10‑day special paid leave
- Holiday trading for UK employees (buy or sell up to one working week of leave)
- 'Be Kind Day' – one paid day annually for volunteering
Inclusion and Flexible Working
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you need reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We welcome flexible working patterns; please ask about alternatives during the interview.
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Plymouth employer: Babcock International Group
Babcock International Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the automotive sector. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a supportive environment in Walsall, where your contributions directly impact project success. Enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits that reflect our commitment to employee well-being.
Contact Details:
Babcock International Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work at Babcock or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD and MEP systems, and think of examples that showcase your leadership and stakeholder engagement abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Principal Mechanical Engineer role. We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience with MEP systems and design engineering, and don’t forget to mention any relevant CAD or BIM skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your previous senior engineering roles and how you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves reviewing and approving designs, make sure to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention specific projects where you used CAD or 3D modelling tools like Autodesk or Inventor. We’re keen to see your expertise in action!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially around MEP systems and design engineering. Familiarise yourself with CAD and 3D modelling tools like Autodesk and Inventor, as you'll likely be asked about your experience with these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your previous senior engineering roles and any line management experience. Think of specific examples where you've successfully guided a team or project, and how you ensured compliance and technical integrity.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your experience engaging with contractors and stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to advise and collaborate effectively, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the design lifecycle.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Babcock and their commitment to inclusion and flexible working. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their values, and don’t hesitate to ask about their development programmes or volunteering opportunities during the interview. It shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
