Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme – Devonport Facilities in Plymouth

Join our Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme and you’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most impactful engineering projects, directly supporting the upkeep of the UK Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines at Devonport, Western Europe’s largest naval base.

As a Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate, you’ll play a vital role in supporting work across various stages of the engineering lifecycle for nuclear and radiologically implicated process systems and equipment, from concept design and development, construction and commissioning, through to in-service support and decommissioning.

Throughout the programme and as a member of Devonport’s Facilities Engineering team, you’ll work alongside a network of engineers, technicians and specialists, and you’ll be involved in the development and modification of system designs, conducting technical analysis, producing engineering drawings and models using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, writing detailed technical reports, and performing inspections and validations – including onboard submarines. Every task you take on will help ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of critical national infrastructure, and the continued readiness of the Royal Navy.

This is a Facilities Engineering Development Programme, delivered on-site at Devonport, Plymouth. Over two years, you’ll complete a series of placements lasting between 6 and 16 weeks across specialist teams such as Design Authority, Plant Management, Safety Case and Operational Support. These placements will combine working in offices, onboard submarines and in supporting facilities, and each placement is shaped around your interests and career goals, giving you broad technical exposure and the chance to build strong foundations in facilities engineering.

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond. You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience and wellbeing. You’ll also benefit from a wide range of technical and non-technical training opportunities, including nuclear-specific development designed to deepen your expertise.

Upon completing the programme, you’ll step into a Chemical and Process Engineering role as part of the Technical Authority at Devonport. From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

You will need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a bachelor's or master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline, such as Chemical and Process Engineering or Process Systems Engineering. Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance.

Places on our Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in Devonport, Plymouth. Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available. 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.