At a Glance
- Tasks: Create accurate cost estimates for major naval engineering projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval engineering while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Background in electrical engineering and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 39607 £ per year.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG
Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid
Compensation: £33,900 to £39,607 Dependent Upon Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Power the Future of Naval Engineering Through Expert Cost Insight
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 Functional Estimator at our Plymouth, Devon site.
The role
As a Functional Estimator, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of major warship support programmes by producing accurate, high‑quality labour and material cost estimates. Your work will directly influence project planning, commercial decisions, and programme delivery across the Warship Support business. This is an exciting opportunity to build your career within defence engineering—developing your technical capabilities while working on complex projects that demand precision, collaboration, and innovation.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll be required to:
- Interpret electrical engineering specifications and technical drawings to develop accurate cost estimates
- Produce detailed labour and material estimates for competitive bids and ongoing programmes
- Collaborate with engineering, commercial, and project teams to validate and refine costing assumptions
- Conduct site and ship visits to clarify client requirements and inform estimates
- Support senior estimators with cost analysis and input into future upgrade and feasibility proposals
This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week based at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Hybrid working patterns are available. You will be working a minimum of one day a week onsite.
Essential experience of the Functional Estimator
- Demonstrable background in electrical engineering with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- Experience working collaboratively within a team environment
- Analytical approach to problem‑solving and attention to detail
- A proactive mindset with a desire to learn, develop, and progress
Qualifications for the Functional Estimator
- A recognised trade‑based apprenticeship or equivalent qualification/experience in an engineering or estimating discipline
- Relevant engineering certifications or further qualifications would be advantageous
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) 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.
What we offer
- 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
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.
Functional Estimator employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Devonport, Plymouth, where you can contribute to vital naval engineering projects. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive compensation, and a range of benefits including a matched pension scheme and flexible working options, Babcock fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to not only advance your career but also to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector.
Contact Details:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Functional Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and values, and think about how your skills as a Functional Estimator can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Functional Estimator, you'll need to engage with diverse stakeholders. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Functional Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Functional Estimator role. Highlight your experience in electrical engineering and any relevant qualifications. 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 a great fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, be sure to mention any experiences where you've worked effectively within a team. We value strong communication skills and a proactive mindset, so let us know how you embody these traits!
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, it shows you're keen on joining us at Babcock!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Functional Estimator, you'll need to interpret electrical engineering specifications and technical drawings. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with engineering, commercial, and project teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your strong communication skills and how you engage with diverse stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical approach to problem-solving. Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges in estimating or project planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Research Babcock and its commitment to creating a safe and secure world. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values, especially around defence engineering. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.
