At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead configuration management for high-profile defence programmes and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a commitment to safety and security.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, matched pension scheme, health support, and volunteering days.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while enjoying hybrid working options.
- Qualifications: Experience in configuration management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59000 - 59000 £ per year.
Location: Stoke Gifford, Bristol or Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: From £59,000 negotiable depending on experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape the future of defence engineering. 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 Configuration Engineer at Bristol Business Park, Stoke Gifford, near Bristol, or at Devonport Dockyard, near Plymouth, Devon.
The role
As a Principal Configuration Engineer, you’ll be working within our Engineering & Systems Integration (E&SI) business, where we convert and adapt complex platforms for defence customers. You will play a key role in ensuring integrated, compliant, and controlled delivery across high‑profile defence programmes. This is a unique opportunity to provide senior technical leadership in configuration management, work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams, and drive continuous improvement.
Day‑to‑day responsibilities:
- Leading the establishment and maintenance of configuration baselines across E&SI programmes
- Managing engineering change control processes, including Change Requests, Change Notices, and Configuration Control Boards
- Collaborating with systems engineering, design, manufacturing, quality, trials and supply chain teams to ensure consistent CM practices
- Maintaining accurate configuration records and ensuring traceability between customer requirements, design data and delivered platforms
- Driving continuous improvement in configuration management processes, data quality and supporting tools
Essential experience:
- Significant experience in configuration management within defence, aerospace, automotive or other highly regulated engineering environments
- Experience working within Engineering & Systems Integration or platform conversion programmes
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Proficiency with CM/PLM tools such as Windchill, Teamcenter or equivalent systems
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams and experience in lifecycle management and engineering change control
Qualifications:
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, information systems or a related technical discipline
- Strong understanding of configuration management principles and standards (e.g. ISO 10007, DEF STAN 05‑57)
Security clearance:
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Positions may be subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. Your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, or any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at www.gov.uk.
Benefits:
- 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 allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day of paid leave a year 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 can thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Principal Configuration Engineer in Bristol employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. With competitive compensation, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme and opportunities for professional development, our employees thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to shaping the future of defence engineering. Located in the vibrant areas of Stoke Gifford and Plymouth, we promote hybrid working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Configuration Engineer in Bristol
✨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 maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your configuration management principles. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in defence and engineering change control.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! Babcock values strong communication and stakeholder engagement, so think of examples where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or improved processes.
✨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 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Configuration Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Configuration Engineer role. Highlight your experience in configuration management and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with 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 defence engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with CM/PLM tools like Windchill or Teamcenter. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve used these tools in past roles, so give us some examples that demonstrate your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Configuration Management Principles
Make sure you brush up on configuration management principles and standards like ISO 10007 and DEF STAN 05-57. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you understand the core of what the role entails.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for a Principal Configuration Engineer.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CM/PLM Tools
If you have experience with tools like Windchill or Teamcenter, be ready to discuss specific projects where you used them. If not, do some research on these tools so you can speak confidently about their functionalities and benefits.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of instances where you've driven continuous improvement in processes or data quality. Be prepared to share these examples, as they will illustrate your proactive approach and alignment with the company's goals.