Job Title: Principal Mechanical Commissioning Engineer
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: £57, - £71, + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF
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 Commissioning Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Principal Mechanical Commissioning Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role within our Naval Nuclear business, acting as a recognised subject matter expert across mechanical and combat systems commissioning. Working at the heart of submarine deep maintenance programmes, you’ll provide technical authority, guidance and assurance across complex and safety‑critical environments.
Day-to-day, you’ll lead and mentor skilled teams, shape commissioning strategies, and influence how major programmes are delivered. In return, you’ll gain exposure to some of the most advanced engineering challenges in the UK, strengthening your professional reputation and long‑term career prospects.
1. Leading the mechanical commissioning function across submarine maintenance programmes
2. Managing the planning, enablement and delivery of commissioning activities and packages
3. Producing commissioning documentation aligned with design authority and assurance requirements
4. Providing expert technical advice to support maintenance planning and operational readiness
5. Supporting continuous improvement, capability development and effective resource assurance
Please note that the successful candidate will be required to pass a targeted medical questionnaire and/or medical examination as a condition of employment for this role.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience of the Principal Mechanical Commissioning Engineer
6. Significant experience commissioning mechanical systems within a nuclear environment
7. Demonstrable experience supporting submarine deep maintenance or comparable complex programmes
8. Strong knowledge of safe systems of work, control of work and system release processes
9. Proven ability to manage multiple complex commissioning activities across concurrent projects
10. Experience leading teams and managing change in a live operational environment
Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Commissioning Engineer
11. NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in an engineering discipline
12. HNC or HND with substantial relevant engineering experience
13. Higher or specialist engineering qualifications would be advantageous
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. 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 Babcock
We’re Babcock — a global FTSE organisation with over 26, people working together to make a difference.
Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We call that lifetime engineering.
Join us and see how far we can go, together.
We are a disability confident committed employer.