At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence high-impact engineering decisions for advanced Royal Navy submarines.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and commitment to inclusivity and flexibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of submarine engineering while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in marine structures or naval architecture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Up to £70,000 Depending on Experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Help 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 an Assistant Chief Engineer – Structures and Naval Architecture at our Devonport Royal Dockyard or HMNB Clyde Faslane sites.
The role
As an Assistant Chief Engineer – Structures and Naval Architecture, you’ll have a rare opportunity to influence high-impact engineering decisions while developing your career in one of the most complex and rewarding environments in defence, aerospace and engineering.
Day-to-day, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, availability, and technical integrity of some of the world’s most advanced Royal Navy submarines.
- Provide technical oversight, acting on behalf of the Chief Engineer during deep maintenance periods.
- Deliver engineering guidance and ensure design intent is maintained from work package creation through to testing and acceptance.
- Interface with internal project teams and external Design Authorities to ensure performance, safety and quality standards are achieved.
- Lead technical investigations, audits and structured reviews across submarine platform systems.
- Contribute to engineering change processes, working groups and continuous improvement initiatives.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 4 days in the office/onsite.
Essential experience
- Proven experience in marine structures, naval architecture engineering or marine surveying, including exposure to classification requirements.
- Strong understanding of marine structural principles and surveying practices.
- Hands-on experience conducting technical audits and navigating associated processes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated capability in identifying, managing and prioritising technical risks and developing mitigation strategies.
Qualifications
- Degree-level education in Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
- Currently holds or is willing to work towards Chartered Engineer status as part of continuous professional development.
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.
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.
Babcock
We’re Babcock — a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference.
Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We call that lifetime engineering.
Join us and see how far we can go, together.
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: 11/03/2026
Assistant Chief Engineer - Structures and Naval Architecture in Helensburgh employer: Nuclearinst
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on high-impact engineering projects that contribute to national security and public infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee development, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme, and a commitment to work-life balance, Babcock fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. The hybrid working arrangements and the chance to engage in meaningful volunteering initiatives further enhance the appeal of joining our team in Plymouth or Helensburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Engineer - Structures and Naval Architecture in Helensburgh
✨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 Babcock's mission and values, and think about how your skills in marine structures and naval architecture can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical explanations! Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with audits and risk management. Show them you can communicate complex ideas clearly to a range of stakeholders.
✨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 the Babcock team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Engineer - Structures and Naval Architecture in Helensburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Chief Engineer role. Highlight your experience in marine structures and naval architecture, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
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 your background makes you a perfect fit for the role. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother 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 Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of marine structures and naval architecture principles. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role, especially in relation to safety and technical integrity of submarines.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with technical audits and risk management. Have specific examples ready that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've navigated complex engineering challenges.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves interfacing with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you successfully influenced decisions or collaborated with teams to achieve project goals.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Babcock's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement in engineering practices.
