At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commissioning activities for submarine propulsion systems and ensure operational readiness.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture that values inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your leadership career in engineering.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience, with strong knowledge of submarine systems.
The predicted salary is between 57300 - 71600 £ per year.
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 Project Commissioning Manager at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves leading commissioning activities for submarine propulsion systems, playing a critical role in ensuring Vanguard Class submarines are safe, operational and mission ready. This is a senior opportunity within the Commissioning Group, where your leadership and technical expertise will directly support the UK's continuous at-sea deterrent.
Day-to-day, you'll operate at the heart of defence engineering, managing complex commissioning programmes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring delivery meets exacting standards for safety, quality and performance. This is an opportunity to further develop your leadership career while contributing to one of the most important engineering programmes in the UK.
- Leading the planning and execution of commissioning tests and trials for submarine propulsion systems
- Managing technical issues, resources and schedules to deliver activities safely, on time and within budget
- Overseeing the preparation and review of commissioning and test documentation
- Driving high standards of health and safety across all commissioning activities
- Collaborating with Ministry of Defence stakeholders, engineering teams and suppliers to support programme delivery
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience:
- Extensive knowledge of submarine systems, particularly propulsion systems and SSBN operations
- Experience in commissioning, operation, refitting or maintenance of nuclear submarines
- Strong understanding of safe systems of work, including isolation and control processes
- Proven leadership experience within complex engineering or defence environments
- Strong planning, organisational and stakeholder management skills
Qualifications:
- Engineering degree (essential)
- Alternatively, HNC or Foundation Degree in engineering with significant relevant experience (essential)
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.
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 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
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
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 are 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: 11/06/2026
Project Commissioning Manager employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located at the Devonport Royal Dockyard, our Project Commissioning Manager role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to vital defence engineering projects while enjoying generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, flexible working options, and dedicated volunteering days. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, quality, and the development of its people in a mission-critical environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Commissioning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence engineering sector, especially those who work with submarine systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex projects in the past, especially in commissioning or defence environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safety and quality. During interviews, highlight your commitment to high standards and how you’ve ensured safe operations in previous roles. This is crucial for a Project Commissioning Manager!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Commissioning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Commissioning Manager role. Highlight your experience with submarine systems and any leadership roles you've held. 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 your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for what we do at Babcock.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your relevant experience in commissioning and managing complex engineering projects. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Submarine Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of submarine propulsion systems and SSBN operations. Being able to discuss specific technical details will show that you're not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led teams in complex engineering environments. Highlight how you managed resources, schedules, and technical issues to deliver projects safely and on time.
✨Understand Safety Protocols
Familiarise yourself with safe systems of work, isolation, and control processes. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise health and safety in commissioning activities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share your strategies for effective communication and coordination, especially in high-stakes environments like defence engineering.
