Human Factors Graduate Programme

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Plymouth seeks candidates for its Human Factors Graduate Programme. This two-year role involves supporting Navy operations, collaborating on live projects, and applying human factors principles to enhance safety and effectiveness. Ideal candidates will hold at least a bachelor's degree in related fields and be prepared for security clearance requirements. Exceptional support and mentorship are provided throughout the program. Interested candidates should apply promptly, as spots are limited.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Employee share schemes

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• A bachelor's or master's degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Behavioral Sciences, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Systems Engineering or Sociology is required.
• Candidates must meet Security Clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support Navy operations by applying human factors principles.
• Contribute to design and assessment of equipment and environments.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on projects.

Skills

Human Factors knowledge

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields

Job description

Overview

Human Factors Graduate Programme

Programme title: Human Factors Graduate Programme

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

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 66897

What will you do on the programme?

Human Factors plays a vital role in keeping people safe and operations running smoothly. Whether supporting the Royal Navy, shaping advanced defence systems or contributing to clean energy projects, you’ll help ensure equipment, environments and procedures are designed with people in mind.

As part of our multi-disciplinary teams, you’ll work on live projects across the full lifecycle – from concept and construction to in-service support, decommissioning and incident investigation. That could mean supporting nuclear operations, influencing the design of submarines or refining how critical systems are used and maintained.

You might carry out task analysis, contribute to requirements, or help ensure people have the tools, environment and procedures to work safely and effectively. Alongside this, you’ll meet operational staff, shadow senior professionals and collaborate with engineers, designers and stakeholders – building your expertise and making a real impact through design.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to build your confidence, grow your expertise and help you find your path within Human Factors.

You’ll rotate across different teams and projects, applying your skills in real-world settings and contributing to safe, effective operations. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

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 Human Factors, Ergonomics, Behavioural Sciences, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Systems Engineering or Sociology.
• 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) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Human Factors programme for Autumn 2026 are available in Plymouth.

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of a team that provides critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Here, you’ll apply human factors principles to real-world naval operations, supporting everything from ship and submarine maintenance to wider base activities.

Your work will help people, equipment and procedures function safely and effectively together, contributing to the operational readiness of the fleet. This is a unique opportunity to bring human-centred thinking into high-integrity environments and make a direct impact on safety and performance.

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.