At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commissioning of mechanical systems for nuclear submarines and ensure safety compliance.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Level 4 engineering qualification or equivalent experience in high-hazard industries.
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 Principal Mechanical Commissioning Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves being a subject matter expert supporting the commissioning of strategic weapons systems on Vanguard Class submarines within the SSBN Commissioning Group. This is an opportunity to take a leading role in one of the UK's most important defence programmes, combining technical expertise, leadership and operational excellence to ensure the safe delivery of critical submarine systems.
Day-to-day, you’ll work closely with engineering, operations, safety, quality and project teams, helping to develop capability within the organisation while supporting the delivery of complex commissioning activities in a highly regulated environment. This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to national security.
- Leading the planning and delivery of commissioning, testing and setting-to-work activities for nuclear submarine mechanical systems.
- Preparing and ensuring the authorisation of test documentation to support project delivery programmes.
- Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with safe systems of work and regulatory requirements.
- Managing and developing mechanical commissioning teams, supporting capability growth and resource planning.
- Collaborating with key stakeholders to resolve complex technical challenges and deliver successful commissioning outcomes.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience:
- Significant experience commissioning, operating and maintaining mechanical systems within high-hazard or heavily regulated industries.
- Strong knowledge of control of work processes, safe release of systems and safe systems of work.
- Understanding of relevant licence conditions, operating rules and commissioning requirements.
- Experience managing multiple complex commissioning packages within demanding operational environments.
- Strong leadership, planning, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
Qualifications:
- Level 4 qualification in a relevant Engineering discipline, or
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant Engineering discipline with significant commissioning operations experience.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) 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 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 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’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.
Closing Date: 31/08/2026
Locations
Principal Commissioning Engineer - Mechanical in Devon, Plymouth employer: Babcock
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and leadership thrive. With competitive compensation, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of asset management while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in beautiful locations like Bristol, Plymouth, and Helensburgh. Join us to be part of a global organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact on national security and public infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commissioning Engineer - Mechanical in Devon, Plymouth
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commissioning Engineer - Mechanical in Devon, Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Commissioning Engineer - Mechanical, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Babcock a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Babcock specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Babcock, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Babcock want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
