At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring nuclear safety and mentor future engineers.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in national defence and safety.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, pension scheme, health support, and employee share options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nuclear safety while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in safety engineering and leadership in nuclear environments.
The predicted salary is between 49100 - 57700 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £59,110 - £66,000 dependent upon experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape the Future of Nuclear Safety – Join Our Expert Team at Babcock
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Safety Engineer at Devonport Dockyard, near Plymouth, Devon.
The role
As a Principal Safety Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in shaping safety strategy, engaging with stakeholders and mentoring Engineers making a meaningful impact on national defence and your own career development. Day‑to‑day, you’ll lead a team of Safety Engineers working on nuclear submarines and facilities, ensuring radiological safety across the Dockyard. You’ll engage with stakeholders to align safety activities with operational needs, provide strategic oversight of safety onsite and support your team in problem solving and delivering high quality safety case work. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring Engineers and preparing for progression into leadership roles.
- Leading and mentoring a team of Safety Engineers
- Driving nuclear safety case development and updates
- Engaging with stakeholders to ensure compliance and safety standards
- Providing strategic oversight of safety activities across the dockyard
- Supporting problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 1 day in the office/onsite and 4 days working from home.
Essential experience of the Principal Safety Engineer
- Proven experience as a Principal or Senior Safety Engineer
- Leadership in nuclear safety case development
- Knowledge of nuclear facility licensing and regulatory engagement (ONR, DNSR)
- Team leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Radiological safety experience within nuclear facilities
Qualifications for the Principal Safety Engineer
- Degree in engineering or science
- Chartered status desirable
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) and 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.
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 International
For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.
Closing date: 10/12/2025
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.
Principal Safety Engineer in Plymouth employer: weServed
As a Mechanical Technical Officer at our Donnington site in Telford, you will be part of a dedicated team that supports critical defence capabilities while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture. We offer generous benefits including a matched contribution pension scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact on national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Safety Engineer in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Babcock on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of nuclear safety regulations and case development. We want to see your expertise shine, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've mentored others or led a team. Babcock values collaboration, so highlight how you can contribute to their expert team.
✨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 serious about joining the Babcock family.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Safety Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Safety Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in nuclear safety and team leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects 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 nuclear safety and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring and leading a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully guided teams or projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at weServed
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you brush up on the latest nuclear safety standards and regulations. Familiarise yourself with ONR and DNSR guidelines, as well as any recent developments in radiological safety. This will show your commitment to the role and help you engage confidently with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored engineers in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to lead a team of Safety Engineers effectively and align with Babcock's focus on mentorship.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios related to safety case development and problem-solving. Consider potential safety issues that could arise in a nuclear facility and how you would address them. This practical approach will highlight your expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company’s safety culture. Inquire about their current projects or challenges they face in safety management. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if Babcock is the right fit for you.
