Mechanical Engineering

What will you do on the programme?

Join our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme, and you’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most impactful engineering projects. This is your chance to contribute to engineering solutions that help safeguard tomorrow while developing the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to thrive in your career.

At Babcock, you’ll support work across various stages of the engineering lifecycle – from technology innovation and concept design to production, commissioning, in-service support, and decommissioning.

You could be designing cutting-edge submarines and surface ships, converting military vehicles, refurbishing ships, or advancing next-generation nuclear power plants that support the UK’s net-zero goals. The possibilities are incredibly diverse.

You’ll work alongside a global network of engineers, technicians, and specialists who share your passion for innovation and precision. Whether you’re leading design reviews, overseeing stress analysis, or managing the integration of mechanical systems into high-performance platforms, your expertise will help ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of critical national infrastructure.

How is the programme structured?

Over two years, you’ll rotate through placements every three to six months, giving you the chance to explore a variety of projects and teams. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

Along the way, you’ll build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, while gradually taking on greater responsibilities, such as leading small teams and overseeing projects.

As you progress, you’ll have the chance to align your placements with your interests and career goals, helping you build relevant experience in areas that matter most to you.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you’ve developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Mechanical Engineering at Babcock

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

Rewards and benefits

What do you need to apply?

You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng or MEng in one of the following subjects: Mechanical, Structural, Motorsport, Materials, Mechatronics, Engine Systems, Welding, Automotive, or AeroMechanical.
Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, meaning your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or any residency you hold or have held may impact your eligibility. Restrictions may vary depending on the business area or location in which you work, so please refer to the relevant job advert for full details before applying.

Where will you be based?

Select one of the locations below to find out about the different areas of our business that are offering places on our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme for Autumn 2027.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

To get the most from the programme, you will be expected to attend your base location in person for up to five days per week. Regular on-site attendance will help you learn from experienced colleagues, build professional networks, and benefit from day-to-day mentoring and guidance.

When you successfully complete the programme, you will continue in the business area and location you started; therefore, it is important to consider this when applying.

Cavendish Nuclear – Various locations across the UK, including Warrington, Bristol, Leicester and Humberside

Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether you’re based in Warrington, Bristol, Leicester or Humberside, you’ll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.

Land – Bristol and other UK locations, including Ruislip in London

Our Land sector delivers complex and critical services to civil and military organisations worldwide. From converting specialist vehicles for the Metropolitan Police to developing innovative solutions for civilian armoured vehicles and military platforms, the work we do helps ensure safety, reliability, and operational readiness.

Based primarily in Bristol, with opportunities to work at military sites across the UK and at the London Fire Brigade site in Ruislip, you’ll help develop innovative solutions to a wide variety of engineering challenges across all land vehicle applications. This could include diagnosing faults, designing custom upgrades, supporting system integration, and applying emerging technologies like additive manufacturing and 3D scanning.

Marine/Nuclear – HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of a team that provides critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Here, you’ll contribute to projects such as life-extension programmes, capability upgrades, and the overhaul of nuclear-powered submarines.

You could be involved in optimising maintenance strategies, supporting the integration of new systems, or developing innovative solutions that ensure mechanical systems perform safely, efficiently, and in line with their design intent.

Marine/Nuclear – HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

At HMNB Clyde, you’ll be directly supporting the Royal Navy’s Vanguard and Astute-Class submarines – critical to the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. As a mechanical engineering graduate, you’ll contribute to the planning, maintenance, and training that keep vital defence systems operating safely and effectively. Whether you’re developing technical training, supporting maintenance schedules, or helping improve the performance and reliability of mechanical systems, you’ll be at the heart of a critical national defence capability.

Marine – Rosyth, Scotland

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility, which is home to one of the largest and most modern waterside advanced manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK. As a graduate here, you could be involved in supporting the full lifecycle of naval vessels or helping deliver complex, large-scale marine build projects. Whether contributing to design, build, or maintenance, your work will play a key role in delivering high-profile programmes across the marine industry.

Mission Systems – Bristol, Plymouth, or Ashchurch

If you’re interested in advanced manufacturing, and disruptive technologies, Mission Systems is where you’ll thrive. Based in Bristol, Plymouth or Ashchurch , you could be working on the design and delivery of advanced communications systems, electronic warfare capabilities, or supporting satellite operations for national defence. This is a hub for innovation, where engineers help shape the future of defence technology and support global clients across land, sea, air, and space.

Nuclear – Bristol

At our Bristol office, you’ll join teams focused on ensuring the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet remains safe, efficient, and at the cutting edge of technology. You could get involved in a variety of exciting projects, including system performance modelling and analyses, maintenance optimisations, engineering investigations, future submarines support, waterfront production and manufacture, researching new technologies and more. With a strong focus on digital transformation and advanced engineering, this is a great place to explore mechanical engineering and emerging technology on nuclear submarines.

Not sure which business area to apply for? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Curious about the UK’s nuclear future? At Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll find diverse placement opportunities across the UK, giving you the chance to work on projects that protect our nation, secure our energy supply, and support our journey to net zero.
Interested in converting military vehicles and supporting frontline operations?
Our Land placements across the UK give you the opportunity to support the British Army.
Excited by the idea of designing and maintaining cutting-edge naval ships? Rosyth (Scotland) is home to our advanced manufacturing facility and could be your perfect match.
Passionate about supporting submarines and surface ships?
Devonport (Plymouth) and Clyde (Scotland) are key naval bases where you can work directly with the Royal Navy.
Fascinated by advanced technologies, or space and satellite systems?
Mission Systems (Bristol, Plymouth or Ashchurch) is where innovation meets high-tech engineering.
Keen on strategic design and support for submarines?
Nuclear – Bristol focuses on cutting-edge projects with national impact.

No matter where you start, you’ll gain valuable experience – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Current openings in
Mechanical Engineering

Location:

Application guidance

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

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Babcock, Nationality & Security

Find out more about nationality, security clearance and eligibility requirements for our opportunities.

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