Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

Babcock International; Peterlee; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm in the UK offers a Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme. As a participant, you will work on diverse engineering projects, rotating through placements to build your expertise and leadership skills. The program supports your career development with structured training and mentorship, with a starting salary of £35,000 and various benefits focused on wellbeing and professional growth.

Benefits

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension and employee share schemes

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Degree must be accredited by a relevant institution.
• Ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work on various impactful engineering projects across UK.
• Participate in diverse stages of engineering lifecycle.
• Rotate through placements every three to six months.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Team Leadership

Engineering Design

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical, Structural, Materials, Motorsport, Mechatronics, Engine Systems, Welding)

Job description

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum 35000. Salary is dependent on location role and qualifications.

Location: Bristol Plymouth Hawthorn or Oakhanger

Application closing date: 11th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 66850

What will you do on the programme

Join our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme and you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the UKs most impactful engineering projects. This is your chance to contribute to engineering solutions that help safeguard tomorrow while developing the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to thrive in your career.

At Babcock you'll support work across various stages of the engineering lifecycle from technology innovation and concept design to production commissioning in-service support and decommissioning.

You could be designing cutting‑edge submarines converting military vehicles refurbishing ships or advancing next‑generation nuclear power plants that support the UKs net‑zero goals. The possibilities are incredibly diverse.

You'll work alongside a global network of engineers, technicians and specialists who share your passion for innovation and precision. Whether you're leading design reviews, overseeing stress analysis or managing the integration of mechanical systems into high‑performance platforms your expertise will help ensure the safety, reliability and performance of critical national infrastructure.

How is the programme structured

Over two years you'll rotate through placements every three to six months giving you the chance to explore a variety of projects and teams. 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.

Along the way you'll build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering while gradually taking on greater responsibilities such as leading small teams and overseeing projects.

As you progress you'll have the chance to align your placements with your interests and career goals, helping you build relevant experience in areas that matter most to you.

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 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, wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of 35000 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

• We accept engineering degrees in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Structural, Materials, Motorsport, Mechatronics, Engine Systems and Welding. Our preference is that your degree is also accredited by the relevant institution.
• 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.

Where will you be based

Places on our Mechanical Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Mission Systems business.

If you're interested in advanced manufacturing and disruptive technologies Mission Systems is where you'll thrive. Based in Bristol, Plymouth, Hawthorn or Oakhanger you could be working on the design and delivery of advanced communications systems, electronic warfare capabilities or supporting satellite operations for national defence. This is a hub for innovation where engineers help shape the future of defence technology and support global clients across land, sea, air and space.

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.

Key Skills

ABAP, Home Care, Horticulture, Clinical, Arbitration Law, Archicad

Employment Type: Student

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1