At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing and commissioning of Victoria Class Submarine systems and equipment.
- Company: Babcock International, a leader in marine and aviation support.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedule, comprehensive health benefits, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safety, collaboration, and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical naval operations and enhance your technical skills.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of technical experience and relevant engineering qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 26159 - 31972 £ per year.
In determining the final salary, Babcock will consider a variety of factors including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and be presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
Underpinned by a deep understanding of technology integration, asset management, and specialist training, Babcock International works with customers around the world to improve the capability, reliability and availability of their most critical assets within the key market sectors of Marine, Land, Aviation, and Nuclear.
In Canada, Babcock works in the Marine sector, where our teams provide critical and complex support to Canada’s submarine fleet. Our Canadian team is proud to be trusted to deliver key naval in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy. We also operate in the Aviation sector, where Babcock ensures that the aircrew trainees of our partner nations receive the world’s best flying training. We deliver vital aerial emergency services and are proud to have been selected by the Government of Manitoba to deliver their wildfire suppression services, as well as key components of their critical air ambulance services.
Whether it is providing technical training instruction, developing training materials or maintaining critical training assets, Babcock is trusted by its customers to deliver world-class training solutions.
Babcock’s Purpose is to create a safe and secure world, together. Our Principles create the foundation for how we will do this. They keep us on the right course, unify the way we work and guide us towards success. By thinking, connecting, and acting in line with these Principles, we’ll deliver better outcomes for our Culture, Customers and Communities. Collectively at Babcock, our employees embody the Principles that help make us great at what we do:
- Challenge the status quo, Be Curious, and ask, ‘how might we?’
- Whenever measuring success, Think: Outcomes and positive impacts.
- Be Kind to ourselves, each other, and our planet.
- Babcock employees Collaborate– we are greater than the sum of our parts.
- Be Courageous – be brave, ambitious, and determined.
- Everyone has a part to play - Own and Deliver to be successful.
Babcock is grateful to work on the traditional territories of many Nations across Canada. Babcock respects the special relationship that the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have with the land and recognises that we are privileged to use and share this land. Babcock is committed to being a good neighbour, ensuring that we are positively contributing to society’s progress and building meaningful and mutually beneficial relations with Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities.
We encourage you to explore our Babcock Canada website to learn more about us.
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Test Specialist (Mechanical) to lead a team of Test Directors responsible for the set-to-work testing/commissioning of Victoria Class Submarine (VCS) systems.
In this role, you will:
- Oversee testing, acceptance and maintenance activities for various Victoria Class Submarine (VCS) systems and equipment.
- Oversee a Test Director and direct multi-disciplinary employees during the testing of submarine systems and equipment.
- Oversee equipment troubleshooting, fault diagnosis and corrective maintenance.
- Provide leadership and guidance to Test Specialists responsible for execution of test instructions.
- Contribute to the determination of solutions to problems and issues of moderate to high complexity and clearly articulate complex technical issues, solutions and risks to all stakeholders (technical and non-technical).
- Work effectively as part of a broader technical team and lead small to medium sized teams to deliver assigned projects or tasks.
- Provide mentorship or guidance for other Test Specialists.
- Record defects using Babcock Canada IT applications.
- Be responsive to Commissioning Managers for dynamic program delivery requirements in a shipyard waterfront environment.
- Draft and review test documentation and work instructions.
- Draft and review lockout/tagout documentation required to make systems safe and conduct commissioning activities.
- Identify risks and opportunities during the course of testing and maintenance.
- Other duties as required.
The ideal candidate brings:
- Strong technical skills including post-secondary education; degree, diploma and/or certificate in engineering technology or equivalent experience.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), Applied Science Technologist (AScT), or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T) with the applicable provincial association, or eligibility to complete such registration within 12 months of commencing employment.
- 10+ years of related technical experience.
- Marine, offshore oil and gas drilling, naval vessel, or submarine operational experience, an asset.
- Experience operating, testing/commissioning mechanical systems, an asset.
- Have the physical ability to climb and descend ladders and stairs to access work areas.
- Have the physical ability to walk and/or stand for extended periods.
- Have the physical dexterity to allow for working in confined spaces and areas with limited room for movement.
- Is comfortable working on scaffolding at heights and around water.
- Is comfortable working in an industrial environment and around moving equipment (forklifts, cranes, etc.).
- Preferred working knowledge in a variety of mechanical related technologies:
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Internal Combustion Engines, Diesel, super/turbochargers
- Mechanical linkages, alignment, rotating machinery
- Pumps, valves, actuators, motors
- Awareness of functional and non-functional system performance testing in new construction or retro-commissioning.
- Strong communication skills; written, verbal and interpersonal.
- Strong computer skills including MS Office suite.
- Eligible for a Canadian Secret Security and ITAR Clearance.
Babcock Canada supports the safety and wellbeing of our employees through the following programs:
- Contributions towards an employee’s physical and mental health.
- Wellness days.
- Supportive work life balance: flexible work schedule and competitive annual vacation time off.
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave top-up available.
- Employer matching of employee retirement contribution.
- Employee recognition and bonus programs.
- Support of professional development and reimbursement of membership dues.
- Relocation assistance for individuals and families.
Babcock is committed to promoting a workforce without boundaries. One that welcomes everyone to contribute to our success regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability, and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered. If you require accommodation during any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know how we can assist you.
This posting is for an existing vacancy. Applicants, please apply online.
Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent) employer: Babcock
Hoare Lea is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises both human and environmental considerations. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a generous benefits package, and a supportive team environment in our Plymouth and Exeter offices. Join us to lead innovative projects while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and engaging community initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Babcock.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Babcock love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Babcock and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Babcock and the Principal Test Specialist, Mechanical (Permanent) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Babcock.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Babcock.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Babcock, making you a more appealing candidate.