At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative naval engineering projects and shape the future of marine assets.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and marine innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Naval Architecture or related field; leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF74161
Lead the future of naval engineering and marine innovation.
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 Principal Naval Architect at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role:
- As a Principal Naval Architect, you'll take a pivotal leadership role in shaping the performance, capability and future of marine assets that support the Royal Navy.
- Working within a highly skilled engineering environment, you will lead the delivery of technical solutions that keep vital defence infrastructure operating safely and effectively.
- Day-to-day, you'll have an exciting opportunity to influence both current operations and future design, balancing hands‐on engineering expertise with strategic leadership.
- You will contribute to the development of new marine assets while ensuring existing systems perform at their best, directly supporting national defence capability and critical maritime operations.
- Leading and developing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
- Delivering technical support to marine operational assets, ensuring performance, safety and reliability.
- Providing design input and technical direction for new and existing marine systems.
- Managing resources and planning engineering capability across operational and project activities.
- Ensuring compliance with engineering standards, regulatory requirements and safety frameworks.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 3 days in the office/onsite.
Essential experience:
- Experience maintaining and supporting complex marine or naval assets.
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver engineering outputs.
- Strong experience in a highly regulated industry such as defence, maritime or infrastructure.
- Experience managing resources and building long-term engineering capability.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Naval Architecture or Marine or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline - Essential.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be 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 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.
- We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive.
- We're happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 17/06/2026
Principal Naval Architect in Tavistock employer: Nuclearinst
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Plymouth, where you can lead innovative naval engineering projects that support national defence. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including a matched pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, Babcock fosters a culture of inclusivity and community engagement, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the maritime sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Naval Architect in Tavistock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the naval architecture field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and delivered engineering solutions in the past. We want to see your passion for marine innovation!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile with your latest achievements and connect with industry professionals. It’s a great way to showcase your expertise and attract potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Babcock and contributing to national defence capability.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Naval Architect in Tavistock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Naval Architect role. Highlight your experience with complex marine assets and leadership in technical teams. 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 naval architecture and how you can contribute to our mission at Babcock. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve led projects or improved systems in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to track your application easily. Plus, we’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Naval Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of naval architecture principles and recent innovations in the field. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that relate to complex marine assets or defence systems.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Naval Architect, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, highlighting your ability to inspire and guide others. Prepare to discuss how you handle challenges and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role. Be ready to talk about your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, from engineers to senior management. Practice articulating how you’ve navigated differing opinions and built consensus in past projects.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research Babcock's mission and values, particularly their focus on national defence and marine innovation. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in shaping the future of naval engineering.
