Principal Engineer - Mechanical Systems in Plymouth

Lead complex mechanical systems engineering at the heart of the UK’s defence infrastructure. 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 Engineer – Mechanical Systems at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role involves maintaining and controlling modifications to mechanical building services across both nuclear-implicated and non-nuclear facilities. Your work will span the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements capture and design development through implementation, close-out, through-life support, decommissioning and disposal.

Day-to-day, you’ll have an opportunity to shape engineering solutions that underpin national defence, ensuring compliance with nuclear site licence conditions, regulatory frameworks and industry design standards. You’ll collaborate with specialists across engineering disciplines, influence project delivery from concept to completion, and help develop innovative, safe and efficient systems. It’s challenging work with purpose, and a powerful platform for your continued professional development.

• Ensure compliance with nuclear site licence conditions, statutory legislation, regulatory frameworks and industry-recognised design codes.
• Prescribe the Mechanical Building Services requirements for assigned design projects.
• Develop and deliver design solutions across the full design process, including Start-up, Concept, Scheme, Detailed and Implementation phases.
• Support design reviews to ensure subcontractor designs meet company, regulatory and industry standards.
• Manage the production, checking and approval of technical documentation and engineering drawings.

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 2 days onsite.

Essential experience:

• Familiarity with energy reduction strategies and decarbonisation approaches for new and existing buildings, including passive design solutions.
• Extensive understanding of mechanical engineering principles for steam and condensate, industrial gases, fresh and demineralised water, HVAC (including nuclear-related), LEV and domestic services.
• Detailed knowledge and experience of BREEAM, DREAM and Building Regulations.
• Experience working within a design consultancy or contractor design environment, with the ability to manage a small team of engineers.
• Strong understanding of applicable regulations, legislation and technical standards related to mechanical services system design.

Qualifications:

• Degree-level qualification (Level 7) in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering, or a lower-level qualification with significant supporting experience.
• Chartered Engineer status with CIBSE or IMechE or working towards Chartered status.
• Additional mechanical systems, nuclear or building-services-related professional training or certifications - Desirable.

Security Clearance:

The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) 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.

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