Naval Architecture Graduate Programme
Programme title: Naval Architecture Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74576
What will you do on the programme?
As a Graduate Naval Architect at Babcock, you’ll play a part in some of the most complex and exciting engineering projects in the world today. You’ll be involved in a wide range of work that will help you build expertise across the many aspects of naval architecture.
Your projects could involve anything from helping us dock a 16,000-tonne nuclear submarine, to assessing the strength of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck for F35 Lightning landings. You might analyse mooring arrangements for a new frigate, design systems to withstand explosive events, or define stability requirements for a submarine surfacing through polar ice. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll learn directly from some of the most respected naval architects and structural engineers in the industry.
Along the way, you’ll gain expertise in analysing and designing all aspects of floating vessels and structures, from hull form and stability to propulsion and human factors. Whether supporting frontline capability or pioneering new technologies, you’ll be trusted to make a meaningful impact from the very beginning.
How is the programme structured?
The Naval Architecture Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience across the discipline. You’ll move through a series of placements, each lasting a few months, giving you the chance to work in different teams and explore areas such as hydrodynamics, structures, design, stability and safety.
These placements may take you to different areas of the business, from supporting submarine sustainment to working on surface ships or marine infrastructure projects. The variety ensures you see the full scope of naval architecture in practice and understand how each discipline contributes to successful project delivery.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
- You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, or MSc in one of the following subjects: Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Ship Building, Offshore Engineering, Composites, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering.
- Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
- Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Naval Architecture programme for September 2027 are available in our Marine/Nuclear sector in Plymouth.
Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.
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.
Application process and important information
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 recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
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.
