Joiner - Wood Machinist

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Plymouth seeks a Joiner - Wood Machinist to perform skilled woodworking tasks that support national defense efforts. Ideal candidates will have NVQ Level 2 in joinery/carpentry and experience with various wood materials. Working on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you will ensure high-quality craftsmanship and precision in your work.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Reservists' special paid leave

Wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Experience with various wood materials is essential.
• Strong attention to detail required for quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to calculate measurements accurately.

Responsibilities

• Carry out skilled woodworking tasks using hand tools and industrial machinery.
• Collaborate with workshop teams to support naval maintenance projects.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Skills

Operating industrial woodworking machinery

Reading engineering drawings

Woodworking craftsmanship

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in joinery/carpentry

Job description

As a Joiner ‑ Wood Machinist, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. This hands‑on position lets your skills make a tangible difference, and you’ll grow your expertise in a secure, purpose‑driven environment. Day‑to‑day you combine traditional craftsmanship with precision engineering to support the operational readiness of the Royal Navy fleet. Working in a specialist workshop, you deliver high‑quality joinery and wood machining that directly contributes to national defence.

This full‑time role is 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Responsibilities

• Carry out skilled woodworking tasks using hand tools and industrial machinery.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and measurements.
• Work with hardwoods, softwoods and plywood to exacting standards.
• Operate machinery such as cross‑cuts, surfacers, thicknessers, moulders and re‑saws.
• Collaborate with workshop teams to support naval maintenance projects.
• Operate portable and fixed woodworking equipment with precision.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in joinery/carpentry.
• Experience working with a variety of wood materials.
• Proficient in operating industrial woodworking machinery.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and calculate measurements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Security Requirements

The successful candidate must be 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, which may affect eligibility based on place of birth, nationality, citizenship, and residency.

Benefits

• 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‑day special paid leave.
• Holiday trading – the option to buy additional leave or sell up to one week of annual leave from entitlement (open February to March annually).
• ‘Be Kind Day’ – one working day of paid leave per year to volunteer with your chosen organisation or registered charity.
• Excellent development opportunities and wellbeing programme.

About Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.