Principal Obsolescence Engineer

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense contractor is seeking a Principal Obsolescence Engineer in Bristol. The role focuses on managing obsolescence risks for satellite communication systems, requiring leadership and ILS/IPS experience. Candidates must be UK nationals capable of obtaining security clearance. A competitive salary and hybrid work arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Holiday Trading

Paid leave for volunteering

Professional fees payment

Qualifications

• Previous experience in ILS/IPS, ideally with experience of delivering to the UK MOD.
• Experience in managing or delivering obsolescence processes.
• Good knowledge of ILS standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team to identify and assess obsolescence risks for components and systems.
• Own and manage the obsolescence process including forecasting and analysis.
• Collaborate with MOD customer, suppliers and manufacturers to source alternative components.
• Provide technical support and advice on obsolescence issues.

Skills

ILS/IPS experience

Managing obsolescence processes

Experience with complex systems

Knowledge of ILS standards

Excellent communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent experience

Job description

Location: Bristol, GB, BS16 1EJ Bristol, GB, BS3 2HQ Corsham, GB, SN13 9NP Bordon, GB, GU35 9JA

Onsite or Hybrid:

Job Title: Principal Obsolescence Engineer

Location: Stoke Gifford, Bristol + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF68646

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 Principal Obsolescence Engineer across our multiple Bristol sites including Babcock Technology Centre - Bristol, Ashton Vale – Bristol, Hawthorn - Wiltshire and Oakhanger - Hampshire.

The Role

As the Principal Obsolescence Engineer on the Skynet programme, you will be responsible for managing the obsolescence of components and systems to ensure the continued operational capability of the Skynet satellite communications system.

The Principal Obsolescence Engineer will work closely with engineering teams, suppliers, and customers to identify and mitigate obsolescence risks, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.

• Manage a team to identify and assess obsolescence risks for components and systems.
• Own and manage the obsolescence process including forecasting and analysis to predict future risks and contribute to overall system availability modelling.
• Collaborate with MOD customer, suppliers and manufacturers to source alternative components and solutions.
• Provide technical support and advice on obsolescence issues to engineering change process and stakeholders.
• Support the development of obsolescence mitigation strategies and plans.

This role is full time, 37 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home. You will be working across our multiple Bristol sites including Babcock Technology Centre - Bristol, Ashton Vale – Bristol, Hawthorn - Wiltshire and Oakhanger – Hampshire.

Essential Experience of the Principal Obsolescence Engineer

• You’ll need previous experience in ILS/IPS, ideally with experience of delivering to the UK MOD.
• Experience in managing or delivering obsolescence processes.
• Experience of complex systems and equipment.
• Good knowledge of ILS standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership and management experience of teams.

Qualifications for the Principal Obsolescence Engineer

• HNC/HND with equivalent relevant experience.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is 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 (www.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-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 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.

Closing Date: 14/11/2025

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