Nuclear Watchkeeper

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched contribution pension scheme

Digital GP and health checks

Employee share scheme

Reservists leave and holiday trading

Be Kind Day and wellbeing support

Job summary

Babcock is recruiting a Nuclear Watchkeeper to deliver classroom and simulator training for naval propulsion operators and engineers. Based at HMNB Clyde Faslane, the role supports submarine engineering education and develops learners through structured instruction.

No prior instructional experience is required; full training and support will be provided to help you become a confident instructor, with options for part-time and flexible arrangements.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of Naval Nuclear Steam Raising Plant operation and safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Recent hands-on experience in the nuclear propulsion domain.
• Clear and effective communication to engage learners.

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom and simulator training to Operators and Maintainers.
• Update courseware in line with technical changes with training designers.
• Deliver additional safety training to students outside the programme.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise to assess technical data and content.
• Support regular review and revision of training materials.

Skills

Naval nuclear knowledge

Independent & collaborative work

Hands-on experience

Strong communication skills

Education

Royal Navy Submarine Service: Category A, B or C Watchkeeping Qualification

Job description

Job Title: Nuclear Watchkeeper

Location: Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Role Type: Full time / Permanent – Part-time and flexible working arrangements will also be considered

Role ID: SF63733

Shape the future of submarine engineering – and your career.

The role

We’re looking for experienced Nuclear Watchkeepers to join us as instructors supporting the Royal Navy Submarine Service. This is a unique opportunity to step into a rewarding, shore-based role where you’ll pass on your knowledge and experience to the next generation of engineers.

No prior instructional experience is required; we’ll provide full training and support to help you develop into a confident and effective instructor.

Day-to-day you’ll be

• Delivering classroom and simulator-based training to Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operators and Marine Engineering Equipment Maintainers.
• Collaborating with training designers to update courseware in line with technical changes.
• Delivering additional safety training (e.g. Confined Space, Working at Height) to students outside the ACTS programme.
• Providing subject matter expertise to evaluate technical data and course content.
• Supporting the routine review and revision of training materials.

This role is full time, 37 hours per week and is based at HMNB Clyde Faslane. We welcome applications for part-time roles and are open to discussing alternative working arrangements. A relocation package may be available, subject to eligibility.

Essential experience of the Nuclear Watchkeeper

• Comprehensive knowledge of Naval Nuclear Steam Raising Plant operation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Recent hands‑on experience in this field with up-to-date technical skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and inspire learners.

Qualifications for the Nuclear Watchkeeper

• Royal Navy Submarine Service: Category A, B or C Watchkeeping Qualification

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain a 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

• 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‑day special paid leave
• Holiday trading – benefit allowing UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave; opens February through March annually.
• ‘Be Kind Day’ – allows 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.

About Babcock

We’re Babcock – a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference.

Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts – not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work‑life balance.

We call that lifetime engineering. Join us and see how far we can go, together.

Disability Confidence

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [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.

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