At a Glance
- Tasks: Create accurate cost estimates for major naval engineering projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence engineering with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on naval engineering while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Background in electrical engineering and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 39607 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £33,900 to £39,607 Dependent Upon Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Power the Future of Naval Engineering Through Expert Cost Insight
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 Functional Estimator at our Plymouth, Devon site.
The role
As a Functional Estimator, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of major warship support programmes by producing accurate, high-quality labour and material cost estimates. Your work will directly influence project planning, commercial decisions, and programme delivery across the Warship Support business. This is an exciting opportunity to build your career within defence engineering—developing your technical capabilities while working on complex projects that demand precision, collaboration, and innovation.
Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:
- Interpret electrical engineering specifications and technical drawings to develop accurate cost estimates
- Produce detailed labour and material estimates for competitive bids and ongoing programmes
- Collaborate with engineering, commercial, and project teams to validate and refine costing assumptions
- Conduct site and ship visits to clarify client requirements and inform estimates
- Support senior estimators with cost analysis and input into future upgrade and feasibility proposals
This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week based at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Hybrid working patterns are available. You will be working a minimum of one day a week onsite.
Essential experience of the Functional Estimator
- Demonstrable background in electrical engineering with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- Experience working collaboratively within a team environment
- Analytical approach to problem-solving and attention to detail
- A proactive mindset with a desire to learn, develop, and progress
Qualifications for the Functional Estimator
- A recognised trade-based apprenticeship or equivalent qualification/experience in an engineering or estimating discipline
- Relevant engineering certifications or further qualifications would be advantageous
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. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
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
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 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: 17/06/2026
Functional Estimator in Devon employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Plymouth that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive benefits, including generous holiday allowances, a matched pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values inclusivity and encourages you to make a meaningful impact in the field of naval engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Functional Estimator in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their projects and values, so you can show how your skills as a Functional Estimator align with their needs. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to teamwork and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Functional Estimator in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in electrical engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Functional Estimator role and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging—show us your personality!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in this role, so don’t forget to mention your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders and contributed to group projects. We love a good team player!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and you'll be one step closer to joining us at Babcock. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a Functional Estimator, you'll need to interpret electrical engineering specifications and technical drawings. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlight your strong communication skills and how you engage with diverse stakeholders.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial for producing accurate cost estimates. During the interview, share instances where your analytical approach helped solve problems or improve processes. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to quality.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
