Job Title: Principal Mechanical Engineer
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Starting from £59, + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
Shape the Future of Defence Infrastructure
At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Principal Mechanical Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. This is your opportunity to influence the design and development of critical facilities that support the Royal Navy’s future capability.
Day-to-day, you’ll act as the intelligent customer, reviewing and approving contractor designs, ensuring compliance and excellence throughout the full design lifecycle.
1. Reviewing, approving, and accepting mechanical designs for major infrastructure projects.
2. Advising contractors and stakeholders to ensure technical integrity and compliance.
3. Using CAD and 3D modelling tools (e.g., Autodesk, Inventor) to assess design proposals.
4. Collaborating with technical authorities and engineering managers across Babcock.
5. Supporting the growth of a specialist engineering team within Strategic Infrastructure.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 2 days in the office/onsite and 3 days working from home.
Essential experience of the Principal Mechanical Engineer
6. Previous experience in senior engineering role, ideally with line management duties.
7. Proven experience in MEP systems for industrial or building design.
8. Strong background in design engineering, including CAD or BIM.
9. Ability to operate in highly regulated environments.
10. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Engineer
11. Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
12. Chartered Engineer status preferred (or significant experience in lieu).
13. Additional certifications in building services or nuclear environments advantageous.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and 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. Further details are available at