At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering for complex maritime programmes and guide multi-disciplinary teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and access to health consultations.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Attractive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
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:
- 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:
- 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.
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.
- ‘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
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 are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com 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: 09/06/2026
Principal Systems Engineer CESM employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture that empowers employees to lead complex maritime programmes while balancing performance, cost, and schedule. With generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to national security and public infrastructure at our Devonport site near Plymouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer CESM
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on systems engineering principles. We should be ready to discuss our experience with complex projects and how we’ve led teams to success—real examples will make us shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show our passion for defence technology! During interviews, let’s express why we’re excited about the role and how we can contribute to Babcock’s mission of creating a safe and secure world.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer CESM
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience in systems engineering lifecycle management and leading multi-disciplinary teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to manage complex systems and deliver results. Use specific examples that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This will help us quickly see how you fit into the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Lifecycle
Make sure you brush up on the systems engineering lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've led projects through each phase, from requirements definition to delivery. This will show your understanding of the role and your ability to manage complex systems.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you guided your team to achieve project objectives. This will help you showcase your leadership capabilities effectively.
✨Understand Technical Standards
Familiarise yourself with the technical outputs and quality standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements in past projects. This shows you can maintain high standards in your work.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to identify and manage technical risks. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues to meet delivery targets. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
