Principal Mechanical Engineer
// Role Summary
Lead the engineering future of naval infrastructure and national security as a Principal Mechanical Engineer. This role offers expert technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle for critical defence projects.
// Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, engineering standards, and safety obligations.
- Lead and support mechanical engineering design activities for complex projects.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide expert advice to stakeholders.
- Experience in nuclear, defence, or other highly regulated industries is essential.
- Requires the ability to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance.
// Role Specification
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Engineer the Future of Naval Infrastructure and National Security. At Babcock, we're working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll provide expert technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle, from concept and design development through to implementation, operation, decommissioning and disposal. You’ll help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, engineering standards and safety obligations while delivering high-quality solutions that make a real difference to national defence and critical infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading and supporting mechanical engineering design activities throughout the full project lifecycle.
- Specifying technical requirements, producing engineering guidance and supporting tender and commercial activities.
- Providing technical oversight of mechanical services designs, ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
- Conducting design reviews, validation activities, technical audits, site inspections and stakeholder meetings.
- Mentoring junior engineers while providing expert advice to stakeholders across the business.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is predominantly office-based but will require site visits across Devonport. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with a minimum of two days per week on site and additional presence as required to support business needs.
Essential Experience:
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering systems including steam and condensate, industrial gases, fresh water, demineralised water and domestic water services.
- Experience applying the full engineering design lifecycle across complex projects.
- Strong understanding of relevant regulations, legislation, codes and standards governing mechanical systems design.
- Experience working within nuclear, defence or other highly regulated, high-hazard industries.
- Experience supporting commissioning, performance evaluation and engagement with clients and key stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Level 6 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline, or a Level 5 qualification with substantial relevant experience.
- Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards Chartered Engineer accreditation.
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is 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.