At a Glance
- Tasks: Create high-precision components for critical defence programmes using CNC technology.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in engineering and manufacturing with a commitment to safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and relocation allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with CNC multi-axis turning centres and engineering drawings is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36951 - 36951 £ 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 CNC Machinist at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves being at the heart of manufacturing bespoke, high‑integrity components for critical defence programmes. This is hands‑on, high‑precision work, producing parts to exacting standards where accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Day‑to‑day, you’ll take engineering drawings from concept to completion, programming, setting and operating multi‑axis CNC turning centres to manufacture components that must perform first time, every time.
It’s an exciting opportunity to apply your machining expertise in a specialist environment, develop your technical capability, and build a long‑term career within a world‑class engineering organisation.
- Programming, setting and operating CNC multi‑axis turning centres to manufacture precision components
- Interpreting engineering drawings and translating specifications into CNC programs
- Producing components to fine imperial and metric tolerances using appropriate measuring equipment
- Inspecting finished parts to ensure quality, accuracy and compliance with standards
- Working safely and collaboratively within a controlled engineering and manufacturing environment
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience of the CNC Machinist:
- Experience programming and operating CNC multi‑axis turning centres
- Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings
- Proven experience working to fine tolerances using precision measurement tools
- Background in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Experience with Siemens and/or Mazak controls is advantageous
Qualifications for the CNC Machinist:
- Level 3 apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification, in an engineering or manufacturing discipline
Security Clearance: 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
- Golden Hello Up to £5,000 and Relocation 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 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
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: 26/05/2026
CNC Machinist employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values precision and collaboration. As a CNC Machinist at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site, you'll benefit from competitive compensation, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth in a world-class engineering environment. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, including flexible working options and community engagement initiatives, makes Babcock a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the company or similar environments to see CNC machining in action. This not only gives you a feel for the job but also shows your genuine interest when you chat with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current CNC machinists or industry professionals on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. You never know, they might even refer you to open positions!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your programming skills for CNC machines. Familiarise yourself with Siemens and Mazak controls if you haven’t already. The more confident you are, the better you’ll perform in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and skills!
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your CNC machining skills and experience. We want to see how you've programmed and operated multi-axis turning centres, so don’t hold back on the details!
Read the Job Description Carefully:Take a good look at the job description and tailor your application to match. Use the same language and keywords that we’ve used, especially around precision and attention to detail. It shows us you’re serious about the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the CNC Machinist position. Remember, quality over quantity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CNC multi-axis turning centres. Be ready to discuss your programming experience and how you've tackled challenges in the past. Familiarity with Siemens and Mazak controls will definitely give you an edge!
✨Read the Engineering Drawings
Before the interview, practice interpreting engineering drawings. You might be asked to explain how you would translate specifications into CNC programs, so being able to demonstrate this skill will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Precision is Key
Since the job requires working to fine tolerances, be prepared to talk about your experience with precision measurement tools. Share specific examples of how you've ensured quality and accuracy in your previous work.
✨Safety First
Understand the importance of safety in a manufacturing environment. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked safely and collaboratively in past roles, as this will highlight your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
