Structural Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Babcock International; Bristol; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Bristol is seeking a placement student for a year-long role in their Structures team. This opportunity involves practical experience in structural assessments and designing platform structures for safety. Candidates should be entering their final year of a relevant engineering degree and will gain hands-on experience with software tools like Ansys, MathCAD, and AutoCAD. Mentorship will be provided to support your career development.

Benefits

Tailored mentorship

Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools

Qualifications

• Must be entering the final year of a relevant degree program.
• Strong foundation in structural engineering principles.
• Ability to manage safety certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural assessments using hand calculations and FEA.
• Design and evaluate platform structures for explosive shock survivability.
• Conduct platform surveys and validation exercises.
• Contribute to future platform projects and capability upgrades.

Skills

Structural assessments

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Design for explosive shock survivability

Software proficiency (Ansys, MathCAD, AutoCAD)

Education

Final year degree in Engineering or STEM-related field

Tools

Ansys

MathCAD

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Based at the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, you'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team delivering some of the UK's most advanced naval engineering projects. This placement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the structural integrity and safety of submarine platforms. You'll be based in the Structures team for the full year. Your work will include performing structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), designing and evaluating platform structures for explosive shock survivability, and conducting platform surveys and validation exercises at Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base Clyde. You'll play a role in future platform projects and capability upgrades that enhance operational performance. Throughout the year, you'll gain practical experience with industry-standard software such as Ansys, MathCAD, and AutoCAD. You'll also build a solid foundation in platform structures, including pressure hull collapse theory and engineering standards. To support your development, you'll receive tailored mentorship and one-to-one guidance from experienced professionals who are committed to helping you grow.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Design and evaluate platform structures for explosive shock survivability.
• Conduct platform surveys and validation exercises at Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base Clyde.
• Support technical investigations, feasibility studies, and engineering trials.
• Manage structural defects and safety certifications.
• Contribute to future platform projects and capability upgrades to enhance operational performance.
• Gain practical experience with industry-standard software (Ansys, MathCAD, AutoCAD).
• Build foundational knowledge in platform structures, including pressure hull collapse theory and engineering standards.

Qualifications

• You must be entering your final year of a degree in one of the following disciplines: Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ship & Offshore Structures, Physics, Material Science, or any STEM-based BEng or MEng.

Security clearance

Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which may impact eligibility based on place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency. 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.

About placements

Our placements are about more than work experience - they're an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you apart in your future career. You'll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way. We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what's right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme - your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.