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 and engineering.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, matched pension, health perks, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to national security and public infrastructure.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact while developing your leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience; strong systems engineering background required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG
Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid
Compensation: Attractive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF73913
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 of the Principal Systems Engineer:
- 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 for the Principal Systems Engineer:
- 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.
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
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 call that lifetime engineering.
Join us and see how far we can go, together.
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.
Principal Systems Engineer CESM in Plymouth employer: Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture that empowers our employees to lead complex maritime programmes. Located in Devonport, Plymouth, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life experience, while our comprehensive benefits package, including a matched pension scheme and opportunities for professional development, ensures that you can grow your career with us. Join us to make a real-world impact in a role that respects your contributions and fosters a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Systems Engineer CESM in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your systems engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex projects in the past. We want to hear about your leadership skills and how you manage multi-disciplinary teams!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for defence technology! During interviews, share your thoughts on current trends and challenges in the industry. This will demonstrate your commitment and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨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 serious about joining the Babcock team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Systems Engineer CESM in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Systems Engineer role. Highlight your systems engineering lifecycle management experience and any leadership roles you've held in complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Be specific about your experience with multi-disciplinary teams and managing technical risks.
Showcase Relevant Projects:In your application, mention specific projects where you've led engineering teams or delivered complex systems. This will help us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to our maritime programmes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and for you to stay updated on your status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through complex projects and the structured processes you've applied. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've guided multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively and manage diverse groups towards a common goal.
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Research Babcock and its commitment to national security and public infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as a candidate.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about managing technical risks and ensuring quality standards. Think of scenarios where you've identified and resolved issues in previous projects. Being able to articulate these experiences will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
