At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a high-impact engineering team ensuring the UK's advanced submarines are operational and safe.
- Company: Babcock, a leader in submarine engineering with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while growing your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience; chartered status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 52500 - 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 for 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 – 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 – one paid day off a year to undertake volunteering work.
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please contact careers@babcockinternational.com with subject 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
Closing date: 27/05/2026
Assistant Chief Engineer employer: weServed
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and development in the field of submarine engineering. Located at HMNB Clyde Faslane, our team enjoys a generous benefits package, including a matched contribution pension scheme, access to health services, and opportunities for volunteering, all while contributing to vital national security projects. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your expertise will make a meaningful impact on the UK's advanced Royal Navy submarines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your submarine engineering knowledge. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the role and the impact we can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to technical oversight and risk management. We need to demonstrate our problem-solving skills and how we handle technical challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Babcock.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Engineer
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 engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated technical discussions in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at weServed
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your submarine engineering knowledge, especially around propulsion and platform systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can explain complex technical concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. This will help you engage effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to system engineering and risk management. Review common technical audit processes and be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated challenges in past projects. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.
✨Show Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Babcock values continuous improvement, so think of examples where you’ve contributed to enhancing processes or systems. Be ready to discuss how you identify and manage technical risks, as well as any initiatives you’ve led to improve safety and performance standards.
