Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design integrity of the UK's next-gen submarine maintenance facility.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and engineering innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical, and more.
- Why this job: Shape the future of national defence and leave a legacy in engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Chartered Engineer status, and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Job Title: Design Authority
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF61019
Lead the Engineering Vision Behind the UK\’s Next-Generation Submarine Infrastructure
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us you can play your part as a Design Authority at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Design Authority, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary where you’ll be at the forefront of one of the UK’s most ambitious engineering programmes – leading the design integrity and safety of a new out-of-water submarine maintenance facility. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of defence infrastructure, influence national capability, and leave a legacy in engineering excellence.
Day-to-day, you’ll manage the Design Authority team (eight direct reports) in support of the provision of a new out of water submarine maintenance facility.
- Defining the design intent and providing the basis of design
- Overseeing and accepting design and safety artefacts to form the reference design
- Approving manufacture, installation, commissioning, operation and decommissioning activities
- Acting as Principal Designer under CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act
- Leading a team of circa 60 Engineers, including 8 direct reports
This role is full time, 35-hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 2 days (ideally more) in the office/onsite and 3 days working from home.
Essential experience of the Design Authority
- Leading complex engineering programmes with strong technical and communication skills
- Deep expertise in nuclear engineering and high integrity engineering outputs
- Extensive knowledge of submarine infrastructure, facilities and authorisation processes
- Proven leadership and stakeholder management across complex operations
Qualifications for the Design Authority
- Degree in Engineering or Scientific discipline
- Chartered Engineer status (Fellow of your institute preferred)
- Significant relevant experience in design management of major multi-disciplined projects
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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Private medical
- Bonus
- Car 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-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows the majority of employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
- Be Kind Day enables employees 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 benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
About Babcock
Babcock International: For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.
We are 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”. 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.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 08/10/2025
#BABDESTNUC
#IND-ENG
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Design Authority employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Authority
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Babcock's projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for defence infrastructure and how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you’ve led teams or tackled complex engineering challenges. Be ready to impress us with your leadership stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Authority
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Authority role. Highlight your experience in leading complex engineering programmes and your expertise in nuclear engineering, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since you'll be managing a team of engineers, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past and managed stakeholder relationships effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your nuclear engineering and submarine infrastructure knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and how your expertise aligns with the role of Design Authority.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing complex engineering teams. Think about how you've successfully navigated stakeholder management and what strategies you used to keep everyone aligned.
✨Understand the Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure design integrity and safety in your role, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come equipped with thoughtful questions about the company's engineering vision and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.