Naval Architecture

*Your starting salary will be at least £35,000, with the final amount based on your role, location, and qualifications.

Location

We have placement opportunities in Plymouth and Bristol in England, and Rosyth in Scotland.

Oct 20, 2026

Sep 1, 2027

Start dates will be staggered from 1st September 2027. We’ll confirm your exact start date during onboarding.

What will you do on the programme?

As a Graduate Naval Architect at Babcock, you’ll play a part in some of the most complex and exciting engineering projects in the world today. You’ll be involved in a wide range of work that will help you build expertise across the many aspects of naval architecture.

Your projects could involve anything from helping us dock a 16,000-tonne nuclear submarine, to assessing the strength of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck for F35 Lightning landings. You might analyse mooring arrangements for a new frigate, design systems to withstand explosive events, or define stability requirements for a submarine surfacing through polar ice. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll learn directly from some of the most respected naval architects and structural engineers in the industry.

Along the way, you’ll gain expertise in analysing and designing all aspects of floating vessels and structures, from hull form and stability to propulsion and human factors. Whether supporting frontline capability or pioneering new technologies, you’ll be trusted to make a meaningful impact from the very beginning.

How is the programme structured?

The Naval Architecture Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience across the discipline. You’ll move through a series of placements, each lasting a few months, giving you the chance to work in different teams and explore areas such as hydrodynamics, structures, design, stability and safety.

These placements may take you to different areas of the business, from supporting submarine sustainment to working on surface ships or marine infrastructure projects. The variety ensures you see the full scope of naval architecture in practice and understand how each discipline contributes to successful project delivery.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you’ve developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Meet Harry, one of our graduates. In this short film, Harry shares his experience on the Naval Architecture Graduate Programme.

With a lifelong passion for ships, Harry dives into his role in helping to design, maintain, and support Royal Navy vessels. From docking ships to performing finite element analysis, no two days are the same for Harry. He discusses the practical experience he’s gained with cutting‑edge technology and the exciting opportunities that await graduates in the programme.

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

• You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, or MSc in one of the following subjects: Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Ship Building, Offshore Engineering, Composites, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering.
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, meaning your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or any residency you hold or have held may impact your eligibility. Restrictions may vary depending on the business area or location in which you work, so please refer to the relevant job advert for full details before applying.

Where will you be based?

Select one of the locations below to find out about the different areas of our business that are offering places on our Naval Architecture Graduate Programme for September 2027.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

To get the most from the programme, you will be expected to attend your base location in person for up to five days per week. Regular on-site attendance will help you learn from experienced colleagues, build professional networks, and benefit from day-to-day mentoring and guidance.

When you successfully complete the programme, you will continue in the business area and location you started; therefore, it is important to consider this when applying.

Not sure which business area to apply for? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

• Excited by the idea of designing and maintaining cutting‑edge naval ships? Rosyth (Scotland) is home to our advanced manufacturing facility and could be your perfect match.
• Keen on strategic design and support for submarines? Nuclear – Bristol focuses on cutting‑edge design and sustainability projects with national impact.
• Passionate about supporting in‑service submarines and surface ships?
  Devonport (Plymouth) is a key naval base where you can work directly with the Royal Navy.

No matter where you start, you’ll gain valuable experience – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Check out some of our other, related programmes. Whatever graduate programme you choose, you’ll get the chance to make a real impact.

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