At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a high-impact engineering team ensuring the UK's submarines are safe and operational.
- Company: Babcock, a leader in submarine engineering with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible onsite work with excellent career growth and volunteering opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while growing your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and experience in submarine or systems engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute
Compensation: Up to £70,000 Depending on Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape the Future of Submarine Engineering
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 System Technical Authority - Propulsion and Platform Systems at our HMNB Clyde Faslane site.
The role
As a System Technical Authority - Propulsion and Platform Systems, you’ll have a unique opportunity to join a high‑impact engineering environment where you’ll grow professionally, build specialist expertise, and contribute to work that truly matters. Day‑to‑day, you’ll help safeguard the operational capability of the UK’s most advanced Royal Navy submarines. Your work will span deep maintenance periods, ensuring every system meets the required safety, performance and availability standards.
- Act on behalf of the Chief Engineer, providing technical oversight and guidance across Platform Systems.
- Hold full technical delegations and serve as a key interface with Design and Technical Authorities.
- Understand and uphold design intent from work package creation through execution, testing and acceptance.
- Work closely with internal project teams and external MOD stakeholders, contributing to long‑term engineering solutions.
- Participate in working groups to assess engineering change, address technical issues and support continuous improvement.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at HMNB Clyde Faslane. The successful candidate will be flexible to work onsite in line with business requirements, ranging from a minimum of three days per week up to full‑time onsite attendance.
Essential experience of the System Technical Authority - Propulsion and Platform Systems
- Demonstrable experience in submarine engineering.
- Strong awareness of system engineering within mechanical or electrical engineering disciplines.
- Practical experience conducting technical audits and navigating associated processes.
- Strong communication skills, with experience engaging a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience identifying, managing and prioritising technical risks and associated mitigations.
Qualifications for the System Technical Authority - Propulsion and Platform Systems
- Engineering degree or equivalent relevant experience.
- Chartered Engineer status, or close to achieving it.
- Additional technical qualifications or professional development related to naval, marine, systems or mechanical/electrical engineering - Desirable.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is 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 share scheme
- 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
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Closing date 27/05/2026
Assistant Chief Engineer in Helensburgh employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our HMNB Clyde Faslane site where you can contribute to the safety and security of the UK’s Royal Navy submarines. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, and unique initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering, we foster a culture of support and growth that empowers our employees to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Engineer in Helensburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock, especially those in engineering roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure we can discuss submarine engineering and system oversight confidently. Practise common interview questions and have examples ready that showcase our experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for engineering! During interviews, let’s express why we’re excited about the role and how we can contribute to the safety and performance of the Royal Navy submarines. Enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Engineer in Helensburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Chief Engineer role. Highlight your submarine engineering experience and any relevant technical qualifications. We want to see how your skills match 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 submarine engineering and how you can contribute to our mission at Babcock. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your communication skills.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise in propulsion and platform systems. Mention any practical experience with technical audits or risk management, as these are key aspects of the role we’re hiring for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your submarine engineering knowledge, especially around propulsion and platform systems. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and standards in the field, as well as any recent projects Babcock has been involved in.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in technical audits and risk management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've navigated challenges in past roles, particularly in mechanical or electrical engineering disciplines.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since strong communication skills are essential, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your collaborative efforts and how you’ve successfully managed relationships in a technical environment.
✨Understand the Role
Take the time to fully understand the responsibilities of the System Technical Authority role. Be prepared to discuss how you would uphold design intent and contribute to long-term engineering solutions, showing that you’re not just interested in the job but also in the mission of Babcock.
