At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer cutting-edge maritime defence technology and manage systems engineering activities.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in maritime defence with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND or degree in engineering; experience in systems engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Engineer the future of maritime defence technology. At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Systems Engineer at Devonport, near Plymouth, Devon.
The role:
As a Systems Engineer, you'll work at the forefront of cyber and electromagnetic activities within the maritime defence domain, contributing to innovative engineering solutions that protect and enhance national security. This is your opportunity to support the design, integration, and delivery of advanced communication and combat systems used in complex naval environments. You’ll join our growing Mission Systems team, collaborating with subject matter experts across engineering disciplines to deliver high-impact projects from concept through to operation. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to develop your skills, influence major programmes, and build a rewarding career in a fast-moving, purpose-driven industry.
Day-to-day, you’ll manage and take ownership of all systems engineering activities integral to these projects:
- Manage and oversee all specialist engineering activities including Requirements, Design, Build & Code, Safety, Integration, Verification, Transition & Validation (IVTV) and Product Security.
- Own all Systems Engineering artifacts for assigned work packages including development of engineering plans and oversight of equipment obsolescence and configuration control.
- Produce technical reports and documentation as well as review and update project technical documentation, whilst ensuring appropriate Babcock engineering assurance process is applied to all technical tasks associated with the projects.
- Support to project stakeholder working groups providing project specific systems technical advice to MOD Authorities.
- Provide support to bids and proposals for new business development.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements dependent on business need but typically this would be 2 days a week working from home.
Essential experience of the Systems Engineer:
- Demonstrable systems engineering experience across the systems engineering lifecycle V-Model or equivalent from initial concepts to disposal.
- Experience and understanding of systems engineering communication systems including VHF, HF, UHF would be advantageous.
- Knowledge of UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) practices and ways of working is desirable.
Qualifications for the Systems Engineer:
- HNC/HND or Degree in engineering or demonstrable experience in Systems Engineering positions.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Must be Sole UK National. 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 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.
- Flexible working - we give people more options to better integrate their work and personal life, whilst ensuring that business needs are met.
- A dynamic working environment.
Closing date: 16/06/2026
Systems Engineer in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Devonport, Plymouth, where innovation meets purpose. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and initiatives like Be Kind Day for volunteering. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that not only shapes the future of maritime defence technology but also values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer in Plymouth
✨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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your systems engineering projects. When you get that interview, you’ll have something tangible to discuss that sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions for Systems Engineers. Think about how your experience aligns with Babcock’s mission and be ready to share specific examples of your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Systems Engineer role. Highlight your systems engineering experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with 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 maritime defence technology and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills and experience with systems engineering lifecycles. Mention any specific communication systems you've worked with, as this will catch our eye and demonstrate your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Basics
Brush up on the systems engineering lifecycle, especially the V-Model. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past projects, as this will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Defence Communication Systems
Since the role involves communication systems like VHF, HF, and UHF, make sure you have a solid grasp of these technologies. Prepare to explain how your experience aligns with these systems and how they fit into the maritime defence context.
✨Understand Babcock's Mission and Values
Research Babcock’s commitment to national security and their innovative projects. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to answer technical questions related to systems engineering activities such as integration, verification, and validation. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely, as this will showcase your communication skills and technical expertise.
