Mechanical Systems Engineering - Devonport Facilities

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; West Devon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm offers a Mechanical Systems Engineering Graduate Programme based in Devonport, Plymouth. This role involves supporting the upkeep of the UK Royal Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and requires a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services. The programme includes structured support, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development. Starting salary is a minimum of £35,000, along with various benefits such as generous holiday and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Minimum of 25 days of holiday

Generous pension scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• You must have a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services.
• Ability to achieve required Security Clearances.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support upkeep of UK's nuclear-powered submarines.
• Involved in design development from initiation to completion.
• Conduct technical analyses and produce 3D models.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Building Services

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services

Tools

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Job description

Mechanical Systems Engineering - Devonport Facilities

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Mechanical Systems Engineering Graduate Programme – Devonport Facilities

Programme title: Mechanical Systems Engineering Graduate Programme – Devonport Facilities

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

Role ID: 66902

What will you do on the programme?

Join our Mechanical Systems Engineering Graduate Programme and support the upkeep of the UK Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines at Devonport, Western Europe’s largest naval base.

As a Graduate Mechanical Systems Engineer, you’ll apply your studies in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services to develop solutions for technical challenges. Your work will ensure the safe design, modification, construction, installation, and through-life management of mechanical systems and building services across the Devonport site.

You’ll be involved in design development from project initiation through to completion, which may include authoring technical specifications and scopes of work, conducting technical analyses of new or modified systems, producing 3D models and engineering drawings using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, supporting calculations and analysis, writing technical reports, and performing site surveys and validations.

How is the programme structured?

This is a Facilities Engineering Development Programme, delivered on-site at Devonport, Plymouth.

Over two years, you’ll complete a series of placements lasting between 6 and 16 weeks. These will take place across specialist teams working in offices, on board submarines, and in supporting facilities. Each placement is designed to build your technical expertise, build your professional network, and prepare you for a future role as a Mechanical Systems Engineer.

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.

You’ll also benefit from a wide range of technical and non-technical training opportunities, including nuclear-specific development designed to deepen your expertise.

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, 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?

• You’ll need a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services.
• 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 Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Mechanical Systems Engineering Graduate Programme for Autumn 2026 are available in Devonport, Plymouth.

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

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.