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- Tasks: Lead a team in designing bespoke mechanical equipment for submarine and warship refits.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in engineering excellence and national security.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, matched pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while enjoying a flexible hybrid work environment.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience; skilled in 3D design tools.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to building a sustainable future.
The predicted salary is between 61474 - 61474 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Starting Salary from £61,474 dependent upon experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Lead the Future of Engineering Excellence
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 Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. Join us as a Principal Mechanical Engineer in a forward-thinking, agile environment where your technical expertise and leadership will drive innovation and support national defence. You’ll oversee the design and delivery of bespoke mechanical handling and lifting equipment for refit support operations, making a tangible impact on engineering excellence.
Day-to-day, you’ll:
- Provide technical support and design consultancy for non-nuclear and nuclear mechanical.
- Lead a team of engineers designing and delivering bespoke mechanical handling and lifting equipment for submarine and warship refit programmes.
- Oversee technical reviews, sign off designs and calculations, and provide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges.
- Reviewing and signing off technical designs, calculations, and documentation.
- Attending authorisation group meetings and supporting fault diagnosis.
- Conducting asset condition surveys and preparing health reports.
- Responding to technical queries and reviewing industry standards.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements.
Essential experience of the Principal Mechanical Engineer:
- Extensive industry experience in mechanical engineering environments, as a Principal Engineer, Engineering Manager, or Senior Engineer.
- Skilled in Inventor (preferred), SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or other 3D design tools.
- Proficiency in FEA (Finite Element Analysis) - Desirable.
- Experienced in hand calculations.
Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Engineer:
- Mechanical Engineering degree or CEng accreditation or qualified by experience.
- Chartered Engineer status (support provided) - Desirable.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) 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-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 (or equivalent hours) 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.
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: 26/03/2026
Lead Principal Mechanical Engineer - Hybrid (Sub Refits) in Devon employer: Babcock International
Contact Detail:
Babcock International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Principal Mechanical Engineer - Hybrid (Sub Refits) 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 job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with mechanical handling and lifting equipment, as well as how you’ve led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for engineering excellence! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven innovation in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Babcock team and contributing to national defence.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Principal Mechanical Engineer - Hybrid (Sub Refits) in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in mechanical engineering, especially with tools like Inventor or SolidWorks, 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 engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at Babcock. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience and technical skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like successful projects or improvements you’ve led in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes straight to us, so we can review it promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you'll need to showcase your technical expertise. Brush up on your knowledge of mechanical handling and lifting equipment, and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like Inventor or SolidWorks, so you can confidently talk about your experience.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. Highlight your ability to provide guidance on complex engineering challenges, as this will show you're ready for the responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for Technical Reviews
You'll be overseeing technical reviews and signing off designs, so it's crucial to understand the review process. Be ready to discuss how you approach technical documentation and calculations. Consider bringing examples of your previous work that demonstrate your attention to detail and thoroughness in ensuring quality standards.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Babcock values collaboration and innovation, so do some research on their projects and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a safe and secure world. Showing that you understand their culture will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good fit for the team.