Principal Engineer - Mechanical Systems
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG
Onsite or Hybrid: Hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 2 days onsite.
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
As a Principal Engineer – Mechanical Systems, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining and controlling modifications to mechanical building services across both nuclear‑implicated and non‑nuclear facilities. Your work will span the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements capture and design development through implementation, close‑out, through‑life support, decommissioning and disposal.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll have an opportunity to shape engineering solutions that underpin national defence, ensuring compliance with nuclear site licence conditions, regulatory frameworks and industry design standards. You’ll collaborate with specialists across engineering disciplines, influence project delivery from concept to completion, and help develop innovative, safe and efficient systems.
* Ensure compliance with nuclear site licence conditions, statutory legislation, regulatory frameworks and industry‑recognised design codes.
* Prescribe the Mechanical Building Services requirements for assigned design projects.
* Develop and deliver design solutions across the full design process, including Start‑up, Concept, Scheme, Detailed and Implementation phases.
* Support design reviews to ensure subcontractor designs meet company, regulatory and industry standards.
* Manage the production, checking and approval of technical documentation and engineering drawings.
Essential experience of the Principal Engineer – Mechanical Systems
* Familiarity with energy reduction strategies and decarbonisation approaches for new and existing buildings, including passive design solutions.
* Extensive understanding of mechanical engineering principles for steam and condensate, industrial gases, fresh and demineralised water, HVAC (including nuclear‑related), LEV and domestic services.
* Detailed knowledge and experience of BREEAM, DREAM and Building Regulations.
* Experience working within a design consultancy or contractor design environment, with the ability to manage a small team of engineers.
* Strong understanding of applicable regulations, legislation and technical standards related to mechanical services system design.
Qualifications for the Principal Engineer – Mechanical Systems
* Degree‑level qualification (Level 7) in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services Engineering, or a lower-level qualification with significant supporting experience.
* Chartered Engineer status with CIBSE or IMechE or working towards Chartered status.
* Additional mechanical systems, nuclear or building‑services‑related professional training or certifications – Desirable.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions, which may affect eligibility based on place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, or residency. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
What we offer
* Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
* Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
* Employee share scheme.
* Employee shopping savings portal.
* Payment of Professional Fees.
* Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave.
* Holiday Trading allows employees to buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave.
* ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year for volunteering work.
* Excellent development opportunities and support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Babcock International
For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. Flexible working is available – please ask about alternative patterns at interview.
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