Mechanical Test Engineer

Babcock International; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering firm in Helensburgh is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer. You will conduct mechanical testing and calibration on submarine systems, supporting national security. Experience in mechanical commissioning and a relevant qualification are required. This role comes with a comprehensive benefits package including a generous holiday allowance and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched pension contributions

Access to Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Professional Fees payment

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical commissioning and testing.
• Ability to work autonomously and solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong understanding of safety and quality standards in engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mechanical testing, calibration, and commissioning activities.
• Support the Senior Test Engineer to optimise team performance.
• Apply safety, quality, and environmental policies.

Skills

Mechanical commissioning and testing

Problem-solving

Safety and quality standards

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Continuous improvement

Education

Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship

HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Test Engineer

Location: Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute

Compensation: £40,000 - £52,000 + Benefits + 35% Shift Allowance

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF67727

Shape the Future of Defence Engineering

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 Test Engineer at our HMNB Clyde, Faslane site.

The role

As a Mechanical Test Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll be at the heart of one of the UK’s most critical defence programmes. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring submarine systems are tested, calibrated, and commissioned to exacting standards - directly supporting operational readiness and national security. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge engineering challenges, develop your technical expertise, and make a meaningful impact on the safety and performance of the Royal Navy’s fleet.

Day-to-day you’ll be:

• Conducting mechanical testing, calibration, and commissioning activities on submarine systems.
• Supporting the Senior Test Engineer to optimise team performance and resource utilisation.
• Applying safety, quality, and environmental policies during all commissioning tasks.
• Reviewing engineering documentation and contributing to cross-disciplinary problem-solving.
• Collaborating with contractors and internal teams to manage risks and meet commissioning goals.

This role is full time, 36 hours per week and is based on site at HMNB Clyde, Faslane. Shift patterns apply and may vary depending on operational requirements. A shift allowance of 35% is included for roles working these patterns.

Essential experience of the Mechanical Test Engineer

• Proven experience in mechanical commissioning and testing.
• Ability to work autonomously and solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong understanding of safety and quality standards in engineering environments.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications for the Mechanical Test Engineer

• Recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or
• HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent with relevant experience)

Security Clearance

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. 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.

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 [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

Closing date: 06/11/2025

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