At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in designing innovative mechanical handling equipment for national defence.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in engineering excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on engineering projects that support national security.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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, you'll lead a team of engineers designing and delivering bespoke mechanical handling and lifting equipment for submarine and warship refit programmes. You'll oversee technical reviews, sign off designs and calculations, and provide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges.
- Leading and managing a team of engineers working on refit support equipment
- 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. 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
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
Principal Mechanical Engineer in Longfield employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site, you'll benefit from hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a matched contribution pension scheme, all while contributing to national defence and engineering excellence. We are committed to your professional growth, providing support for Chartered Engineer status and opportunities to lead a talented team in a forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Engineer in Longfield
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Babcock International.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Babcock International love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Babcock International and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Mechanical Engineer in Longfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Babcock International and the Principal Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Babcock International.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Babcock International.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Babcock International, making you a more appealing candidate.
