Electronic and Communications Engineering Graduate Programme

Babcock International; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is offering a Graduate Programme in Electronic and Communications Engineering, starting in Autumn 2026. The role includes developing secure communication systems and participating in various placements to gain practical experience. Candidates must have a Bachelor's or Master's in relevant fields. A minimum starting salary of £35,000 is offered along with extensive rewards including a generous holiday package and wellbeing support.

Benefits

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension and employee share schemes

Cycle to work scheme and discounts

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
• Strong understanding of electronics and communications principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop secure communication systems for challenging environments.
• Participate in varied placements within the Mission Systems business.
• Contribute to key projects and lead small initiatives.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Technical expertise

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering, Communications Engineering, or Computer Science

Job description

Overview

Programme title: Electronic and Communications Engineering Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Bristol, Plymouth, Ashchurch, Hawthorn or Oakhanger

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 66864

What will you do on the programme?

Electronic and Communications Engineering at Babcock is about much more than circuits and code – it’s about designing and delivering the systems that protect nations and connect communities. Whether it’s supporting space-based operations through our SKYNET contract or advancing embedded technologies for defence, your work will make a real-world impact.

As a graduate, you’ll help develop secure communication systems for remote and challenging environments. This could involve integrating commercial platforms with specialist technologies to ensure reliable connectivity – supporting everything from defence missions to humanitarian operations.

You'll join a supportive team of supportive team of curious, forward-thinking engineers who thrive on solving complex, meaningful challenges. With expert guidance and opportunities to grow, you’ll be encouraged to contribute, collaborate and help shape the future of secure communications.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme built around a series of varied placements within our Mission Systems business. Each rotation is designed to give you fresh perspectives, practical experience and insight into how different parts of the business work together.

Through your placements, you’ll explore different areas of the organisation and gradually take on more responsibility – from contributing to key projects to leading small initiatives. You’ll gain exposure to a broad mix of technologies and challenges, helping you build a diverse skill set and discover where your strengths and interests lie.

Every step of the way, you’ll be supported to grow your technical expertise and confidence – setting you up for a successful future with us.

How do we develop and support you?

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.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer full guidance and cover all associated fees.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

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, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
• 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.

What do you need to apply?

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Communications Engineering or Computer Science.
• Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Electronic and Communications Engineering programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Mission Systems business.

Babcock’s Mission Systems business is a world leader in delivering strategic communications products and solutions, with our services found on platforms from submarines to satellites. At our sites in Bristol, Plymouth, Ashchurch, Hawthorn, or Oakhanger, you’ll play a key role in developing and delivering advanced communications systems, electronic warfare technologies, and satellite operations that support national defence.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.