Naval Architect

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor in the UK is seeking a Naval Architect to play a critical role in national defence at Devonport Royal Dockyard. The role involves managing through-life support for assets, surveying, and developing future dockyard infrastructure. Candidates should have a degree in Naval Architecture or a related field and experience with ports. This position offers competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and access to health consultations.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to Digital GP and annual health check

Employee share scheme

Payment of Professional Fees

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and communication skills to deliver in complex environments.
• Analytical and proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Understanding of survey/NDE techniques and repair standards.

Responsibilities

• Managing through‑life support for floating assets.
• Surveying assets and specifying refit and repair packages.
• Preparing design estimates and schedules.

Skills

Ports and harbour facilities experience

Organisational skills

Communication skills

AutoCAD proficiency

Survey/NDE techniques understanding

Problem-solving approach

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture or engineering discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Naval Architect – Devonport Royal Dockyard

As a Naval Architect, you will play an essential role in national defence and advance your career in a dynamic, purpose‑driven environment. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will include ensuring the waterfront at Devonport remains ready for the berthing of Royal Navy surface ships and submarines, shaping future dockyard infrastructure, and maintaining existing facilities.

Role Overview

• Full time, 35 hours per week
• Based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard

Responsibilities

• Managing through‑life support for floating assets
• Surveying assets, specifying refit and repair packages, and overseeing post‑refit acceptance
• Reviewing periodical surveys and ensuring compliance
• Preparing design estimates, schedules, tenders, and monitoring costs
• Developing future waterfront assets in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, creating specifications to meet operational demands

Qualifications

• Experience with ports and harbour facilities
• Strong organisational and communication skills to deliver in complex environments
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software
• Understanding of survey/NDE techniques, repair standards, and vessel construction
• Analytical and proactive approach to problem‑solving
• Degree in Naval Architecture or another engineering discipline, or significant practical experience in ship maintenance or facility management

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.

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‑days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading benefit – UK Babcock employees can buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave from their entitlement (available February to March annually)
• 'Be Kind Day' – one paid day a year to volunteer with a chosen charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing