Senior NDT Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Plymouth is seeking a Senior Non-Destructive Testing Engineer to support the Royal Navy’s fleet with advanced inspection techniques. This role involves leading teams in critical inspections, conducting audits, and enhancing NDT procedures. Candidates should be experienced in NDT, ideally in the defence sector, and possess relevant certifications. The position offers competitive compensation and the opportunity for hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to Digital GP

Employee share scheme

10-days special paid leave for Reservists

Holiday Trading options

One paid day for volunteering

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) within defence or energy sectors.
• Familiarity with ship or submarine fabrication projects.
• Strong technical inspection background in engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform a range of NDT inspections and interpret results.
• Supervise radiographic operations as Radiation Protection Supervisor.
• Conduct audits of internal and external NDT practices.

Skills

Non-Destructive Testing

Technical Inspection

Supervision

Production Quality Assurance

Education

PCN Level 2 certifications

PCN Level 3 certification

Level 4 qualification in engineering

Job description

Job Title: Senior Non-Destructive Testing Engineer

Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation: Competitive + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF67369

The role

As a Senior Non-Destructive Testing Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll be at the forefront of supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet, applying advanced inspection techniques across a range of platforms. This is a role where your expertise will directly contribute to national defence and safety, while offering you the chance to grow professionally in a dynamic and technically rich environment.

You’ll be part of a highly skilled team delivering critical inspections and technical governance, with opportunities to lead, innovate, and shape the future of NDT within Babcock. This is more than a job, it’s a career that makes a difference.

Day-to-day, you’ll be responsible for executing a broad range of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, supervising radiographic operations as Radiation Protection Supervisor, supporting production quality assurance, auditing internal and external NDT practices, and providing technical expertise to enhance procedures and research initiatives.

• Performing a wide range of NDT inspections to specification and interpreting results to acceptance standards.
• Leading teams as a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) during radiographic examinations.
• Supporting production with inspection tasks and validating testing techniques.
• Conducting audits and surveillance of internal and external NDT practices.
• Providing technical guidance and contributing to research, development and procedural reviews.

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with rotating shifts (Week 1: Day shift, Week 2: Back shift). Travel to other Babcock and customer sites, including HMNB Clyde, may be required.

Essential experience

• Demonstrated experience in Non-Destructive Testing, preferably within defence, oil and gas or nuclear sectors.
• Familiarity with ship or submarine fabrication or refit projects.
• Strong technical inspection background in engineering environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four PCN Level 2 certifications with extensive experience in non-destructive testing (NDT).
• Practicing PCN Level 3 with proven expertise.
• Level 4 qualification in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., HNC, Foundation Degree or equivalent).

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.

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 GOV.UK: Security Vetting - clearance levels.

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading to buy or sell leave (annual window February–March)
• Be Kind Day: one paid day per year for volunteering
• Develop­ment opportunities and wellbeing benefits

About Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. We are a disability confident, inclusive 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: 23/09/2025

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