At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering for complex maritime programmes and guide multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and health consultations.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working options and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; security clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Shape Complex Systems. Deliver Critical Capabilities And Make A Real World Impact At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Systems Engineer at our Devonport site, near Plymouth.
The role
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will lead the delivery of systems engineering across a portfolio of complex maritime programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of engineering outcomes, guide multi-disciplinary teams, and influence projects that operate at the forefront of defence technology. You will work closely with project managers and technical specialists to ensure solutions are delivered to the highest standards - balancing performance, cost and schedule - while developing your leadership capability in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) based at Devonport, Plymouth. Hybrid working patterns are available, with 2-3 days per week working onsite.
Day-to-day, you'll be required to:
- Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle, from requirements definition through to delivery
- Manage and guide multi-disciplinary engineering teams to achieve project objectives
- Ensure technical outputs meet contractual, regulatory and quality standards
- Identify, manage and resolve technical risks and issues to maintain delivery targets
- Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to plan and execute engineering work packages
Essential experience of the Principal Systems Engineer:
- Demonstrating strong experience in systems engineering lifecycle management
- Understanding complex system interfaces across multiple domains and disciplines
- Leading engineering teams to deliver large-scale or technically complex projects
- Applying structured engineering processes, standards and best practice
Qualifications for the Principal Systems Engineer:
- Degree in Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience such as HNC/HND with relevant industry expertise)
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) 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. This Window opens February through to March annually.
- 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
Closing date: 09/06/2026
Principal Systems Engineer in Devon employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture that empowers our employees to lead complex maritime programmes. With attractive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, we foster both personal and professional growth in a supportive environment. Join us at our Devonport site, where you can make a real-world impact while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Babcock. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Think about how you can showcase your experience in managing complex projects and leading teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering and how it aligns with the role at Babcock.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in systems engineering lifecycle management and leading multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our projects. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with complex maritime programmes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Systems Engineer, you'll be guiding teams and influencing projects. Make sure to highlight your leadership experiences in your application. We love to see examples of how you've managed technical risks and delivered successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through complex projects and the structured processes you've applied. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've guided multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you resolved them. This will help illustrate your leadership capability and collaborative approach, which are key for this position.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Babcock's commitment to creating a safe and secure world. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission as a Principal Systems Engineer.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about managing technical risks and ensuring quality standards. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated these challenges and be prepared to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
