Principal Operational Technology Engineer

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; West Devon; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global defense contractor in the UK is seeking a Principal Operational Technology Engineer to lead the design and implementation of operational technology systems vital for national security. The role offers a hybrid work model and requires a degree in Engineering or Computer Science, alongside expertise in virtualization platforms and server support. Competitive salary with extensive benefits included.

Benefits

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to a Digital GP

Employee share scheme

Payment of Professional Fees

‘Be Kind Day’ for volunteering work

Holiday Trading benefit

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead the design and implementation of OT systems.
• Experience in supervising technical teams to ensure compliance.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders for system requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver robust OT solutions for engineering environments.
• Oversee troubleshooting and performance optimization of OT systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational technology.

Skills

VMware or similar virtualization platforms

Networking and switch configuration

Server support including RAID setup

Hands-on with legacy operating systems (NT, XP, 7, 10)

Interpersonal skills

Task management and prioritization

Education

Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline

Job description

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Principal Operational Technology Engineer

Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG

Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid

Job Title: Principal Operational Technology Engineer

Compensation: Competitive salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF69723

Shape the Future of Defence and 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 Principal Operational Technology Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Principal Operational Technology Engineer, you’ll lead the design, implementation and support of cutting‑edge operational technology systems that keep critical defence and aerospace operations running smoothly. This is a role where your expertise will directly contribute to national security and innovation, while offering you opportunities for career growth and technical leadership.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll:

• Deliver robust OT solutions for complex engineering environments.
• Lead technical teams to ensure compliance with cybersecurity and safety standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements and integration strategies.
• Oversee troubleshooting and performance optimization of OT systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in operational technology.

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 3 days in the office/onsite and 2 days working from home.

Essential experience of the Principal Operational Technology Engineer

• Demonstrated expertise with VMware, Hyper‑V, or similar virtualization platforms
• Skilled in networking and switch configuration
• Proven ability to support servers, including RAID setup and maintenance
• Hands‑on experience with legacy operating systems (NT, XP, 7, 10)
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage constructively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Ability to manage and prioritise support tasks effectively

Qualifications for the Principal Operational Technology Engineer

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

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 (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.

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