At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams on innovative vehicle programmes for defence and aerospace.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in engineering with a mission to create a safer world.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and access to health consultations.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; be part of an inclusive culture that values your contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and public infrastructure while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in engineering, with a degree and knowledge of vehicle systems.
The predicted salary is between 75100 - 75100 £ per year.
Location: Flexible UK + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: From £75,100 Dependant on Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF72524
Bring Your Commercial Skills to Projects That Help Create a Safer World. 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 Chief Engineer based at our Plymouth, Devon or Bristol sites.
The role: As a Chief Engineer you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll provide strategic and technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams working at the forefront of defence, aerospace, and engineering innovation. This is your opportunity to influence some of the UK’s most critical vehicle capability programmes - ensuring they are safe, reliable, resilient, and built to the highest technical standards.
Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:
- Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex vehicle programmes
- Oversee system architecture development, design solutions, integration strategies, and verification and validation activities.
- Act as the primary technical interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
- Represent engineering at technical reviews, governance boards, and programme milestones.
- Ensure technical integrity, safety, and performance across all protected mobility vehicle systems.
This is a full time role, working 37 hours per week. Hybrid working patterns are available with 2 days onsite per week based in Plymouth, Devon or Bristol.
Essential experience of the Chief Engineer:
- Proven experience leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering programmes at a senior level.
- Strong understanding of vehicle systems engineering, integration, and lifecycle management.
- Deep knowledge of defence standards, safety assurance, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrable leadership and stakeholder management capability.
- Ability to influence technical strategy in a high integrity engineering environment.
Qualifications for the Chief Engineer:
- HNC/HND or Degree in an Engineering discipline.
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards it (Desirable).
- Additional systems engineering, safety engineering or defence-accredited qualifications (Desirable).
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.
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 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 UK Babcock 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 (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
Babcock We’re Babcock - a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts - not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance. We call that lifetime engineering. Join us and see how far we can go, together.
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 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: 08/04/2026
Chief Engineer in Devon employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead multidisciplinary engineering teams on critical defence and aerospace projects. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, and a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, you'll find a supportive culture that values your contributions and work-life balance. Join us in Plymouth or Bristol and be part of a global organisation dedicated to creating a safer world through innovative engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer in Devon
✨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 lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safety and innovation in engineering during your discussions. Babcock values candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to high standards and regulatory compliance, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your leadership in multidisciplinary engineering programmes and any relevant vehicle systems experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Babcock. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of defence standards and safety assurance.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex projects. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – we love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of vehicle systems engineering and lifecycle management. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the technical requirements of the role, especially in relation to safety assurance and regulatory compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Think about specific projects where you influenced technical strategy or managed stakeholders effectively, as this will be crucial for the Chief Engineer position.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Babcock's commitment to creating a safe and secure world. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals in defence and aerospace.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in technical reviews and discussions during the interview. Brush up on system architecture development and integration strategies, and be ready to explain your approach to ensuring technical integrity and performance in complex vehicle programmes.
