Naval Architecture Graduate Programme

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Dunfermline, Rosyth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense engineering company in Scotland is seeking a Graduate Naval Architect to contribute to significant naval engineering projects. You will work on diverse assignments that develop your skills across the field, benefitting from structured mentorship and support. This position offers a starting salary of £35,000 and a generous benefits package including 25 days of holiday, pension schemes, and wellbeing support.

Benefits

25 days of holiday

Generous pension scheme

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Acceptable degrees include Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Maritime Engineering, or similar.
• Preferred degree accredited by RINA/IMarEST.
• Ability to achieve necessary security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Involved in complex engineering projects as a Graduate Naval Architect.
• Participate in various placements across naval architecture disciplines.
• Receive structured support and mentorship throughout the graduate programme.

Skills

Knowledge of naval architecture

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture, Ship Science, or related field

Job description

Location: Rosyth, Scotland

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

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

What will you do on the programme?

As a Graduate Naval Architect at Babcock, you’ll play a part in some of the most complex and exciting engineering projects in the world today. You’ll be involved in a wide range of work that will help you build expertise across the many aspects of naval architecture.

Your projects could involve anything from helping us dock a 16,000-tonne nuclear submarine, to assessing the strength of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck for F35 Lightning landings. You might analyse mooring arrangements for a new frigate, design systems to withstand explosive events, or define stability requirements for a submarine surfacing through polar ice. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll learn directly from some of the most respected naval architects and structural engineers in the industry.

Along the way, you’ll gain expertise in analysing and designing all aspects of floating vessels and structures, from hull form and stability to propulsion and human factors. Whether supporting frontline capability or pioneering new technologies, you’ll be trusted to make a meaningful impact from the very beginning.

How is the programme structured?

The Naval Architecture Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience across the discipline. You’ll move through a series of placements, each lasting a few months, giving you the chance to work in different teams and explore areas such as hydrodynamics, structures, design, stability and safety.

These placements may take you to different areas of the business, from supporting submarine sustainment to working on surface ships or marine infrastructure projects. The variety ensures you see the full scope of naval architecture in practice and understand how each discipline contributes to successful project delivery.

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, 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.

What do you need to apply?

• We accept degrees in Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Maritime/Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, and Ship Building.
• A degree accredited by RINA/IMarEST is preferred.
• 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 - GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Naval Architecture programme for Autumn 2026 are available in our Marine sector in Rosyth.

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility, which is home to one of the largest and most modern waterside advanced manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK. As a graduate here, you might be involved in the life-cycle support of naval vessels or helping to deliver complex, large-scale marine build projects. From design through to hands-on delivery and maintenance, your work will span the full spectrum of marine engineering, offering the chance to contribute to high-profile programmes.

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.

Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.