Mechanical Engineer

-; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and configure critical mechanical handling systems. You will directly contribute to national security, ensuring compliance with safety standards while collaborating with project teams. The role requires a degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience, and familiarity with crane systems is essential. The position offers a generous benefits package and a hybrid work model with a minimum of two days onsite.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Holiday trading benefit

'Be Kind Day' for volunteering

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in mechanical systems design.
• Strong understanding of engineering regulations and standards.
• Proficiency in mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical authority for mechanical handling systems.
• Deliver design consultancy for new capabilities.
• Support maintenance of existing systems.

Skills

Design of mechanical systems and components

Understanding of engineering regulations

Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA)

Interpretation of engineering drawings

Familiarity with crane systems and lifting equipment

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Design the Future of 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 Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Mechanical Engineer, your expertise will directly contribute to national security and public safety, while advancing your career in a dynamic engineering environment.

Day-to-day, you'll be at the forefront of designing and configuring mechanical handling systems that support some of the UK's most critical defence infrastructure. You'll provide technical authority and design consultancy for cranes, lifting equipment, and other mechanical handling assets across our Devonport site.

• Providing technical authority for mechanical handling systems.
• Delivering design consultancy for new capabilities and modifications.
• Supporting maintenance and configuration of existing systems.
• Collaborating with project teams to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

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

Essential experience of the Mechanical Engineer

• Demonstrated experience in the design and substantiation of mechanical systems and components.
• Strong understanding of engineering regulations, legislation, and standards.
• Proficiency in hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA).
• Ability to interpret and produce mechanical and electrical engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with crane systems, lifting equipment, and mechanical handling safety.

Qualifications for the Mechanical Engineer

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or extensive proven experience.
• Chartered status or working towards it is advantageous.

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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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. This Window opens February through to March annually
• '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.

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 [e-mail] 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.

Closing date: 05/01/2026