Job Title: Principal Safety Engineer
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £59,,00 - £66, dependent upon experience + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
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 Safety Engineer at Devonport Dockyard, near Plymouth, Devon.
The role
As a Principal Safety Engineer, you’ll lead a team of Safety Engineers supporting the maintenance of Vanguard-class submarines and operations within 9 Dock. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK’s naval nuclear programme, ensuring radiological safety and compliance across one of the most complex engineering environments in the country.
You’ll play a vital role in shaping safety strategy, engaging with stakeholders, and mentoring Engineers making a meaningful impact on national defence and your own career development.
Day-to-day, you’ll lead a team of Safety Engineers working on nuclear submarines and facilities, ensuring radiological safety across the dockyard. You’ll engage with stakeholders to align safety activities with operational needs, provide strategic oversight of safety onsite, and support your team in problem solving and delivering high quality safety case work. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring Engineers and preparing for progression into leadership roles.
1. Leading a team of Safety Engineers and providing strategic oversight of safety onsite
2. Engaging with stakeholders to ensure safety activities meet operational needs
3. Supporting Engineers with problem solving and technical guidance
4. Overseeing the development and delivery of nuclear safety cases
5. Driving continuous improvement and preparing for progression into leadership roles
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 1 day in the office/onsite and 4 days working from home.
Essential experience of the Principal Safety Engineer
6. Experience as a Principal or Senior Safety Engineer with leadership responsibilities
7. Proven track record in nuclear safety case development
8. Understanding of nuclear facility licensing and regulatory engagement (e.g. ONR, DNSR)
9. Experience leading technical teams
10. Radiological safety experience in nuclear facilities (submarine experience not essential)
Qualifications for the Principal Safety Engineer
11. Degree in engineering or science
12. Chartered status desirable
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) and 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