At a Glance
- Tasks: Support complex engineering programmes by planning, monitoring, and delivering vital projects.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in engineering and national security.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while developing your project planning skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs required; experience in engineering and planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 42400 £ per year.
A Project Planner is an intermediate-level professional role in the Planning discipline of the Delivery role family. This role requires an expanded level of knowledge and experience of professional practice in this discipline, representing the first degree of progression from an entry-level role. This role applies discipline domain knowledge, experience, and judgement to undertake a range of professional assignments. This role will work within established procedures and guidance, under supervision from management roles or senior grade professionals.
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Planning Engineer at Devonport Royal Dockyard. As a Planning Engineer, you'll support the successful delivery of complex engineering programmes that are vital to national defence and infrastructure. Working within our Facilities Engineering team, you'll play a key role in ensuring projects are effectively planned, monitored and delivered. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your project controls and planning expertise while collaborating with technical specialists, engineers and project teams across a unique and highly regulated environment.
The Facilities Engineering department supports the safe, effective and efficient operation of site-wide facilities by providing engineering oversight, planning and delivery support across a range of programmes and projects. Through robust planning and reporting processes, the team enables informed decision-making, supports programme delivery and helps ensure resources, budgets and schedules are managed effectively.
As a Planning Engineer, you'll work on meaningful projects that support critical defence capabilities while building valuable experience in planning, scheduling and project controls. You'll have the opportunity to influence project outcomes, develop your technical expertise and contribute to work that makes a real difference.
Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:
- Creating and maintaining project schedules using appropriate planning methodologies and facility requirements.
- Collaborating with Design Authorities, Engineering Delivery Managers and project leads to ensure programme requirements are accurately reflected in plans.
- Monitoring project progress within Primavera P6 and analysing schedule performance to identify risks, variances and opportunities.
- Facilitating schedule reviews with engineering and project stakeholders and recommending corrective actions where required.
- Producing project reports, supporting budget monitoring activities and maintaining resource and cost-related planning data.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience of the Planning Engineer:
- Experience working within an engineering environment.
- Planning and programme management experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret project data and identify schedule risks, trends and variances.
- Working knowledge of Primavera P6 would be advantageous.
Qualifications for the Planning Engineer:
- Essential: Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade A-C / 4-9.
- Desirable: Planning, project controls or programme management-related qualifications. Primavera P6 training or certification.
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.
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 is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 29,000 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: 16/11/2026
Planning Engineer 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 Planning Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Planning Engineer role you’re after at Babcock.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Babcock a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Babcock.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Planning Engineer at Babcock, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Planning Engineer, 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.