Job Title: Functional Estimator
Location: Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: £33, to £39, Dependent Upon Experience + Benefits
Role Type: 18 Month Fixed Term Contract
Role ID: SF
Shape the Future of Naval Engineering Through Precision and Insight
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 Functional Estimatorat Plymouth, Devon our site.
The role
As a Functional Estimator, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll play a critical role in supporting the delivery of vital naval programmes within our Warship Support business. You’ll help bring complex engineering projects to life by producing accurate cost estimates that underpin major bids, through-life support, and future upgrades for Royal Navy vessels.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of defence engineering-where your expertise directly supports the operational readiness of the UK’s fleet. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to high-profile programmes, and develop your technical and commercial skills in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.
Day-to-day, you’ll be required to:
1. Produce detailed labour and material cost estimates from engineering specifications and technical drawings
2. Interpret work packages and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure accurate scope understanding
3. Attend project meetings to support bid preparation and clarify requirements
4. Engage with stakeholders across departments to validate assumptions and ensure estimate viability
5. Support senior estimators with cost analysis and contributing to continuous improvement activities
This is a full-time, 35 hours per week role based at Devonport Royal Dockyard. You will be working onsite a minimum of one day a week onsite
Essential experience of the Functional Estimator
6. Demonstrating experience in fabrication or welding, with the ability to interpret engineering specifications and drawings
7. Applying strong analytical and problem-solving skills to cost estimation and planning
8. Communicating effectively and working collaboratively within a team environment
9. Showing a proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop
10. Managing workload flexibly to meet project deadlines
Qualifications for the Functional Estimator
11. A recognised trade-based apprenticeship or equivalent qualification/experience within an engineering or estimating discipline
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be 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. 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.