Overview
Role: Materials Engineer / Metallurgist
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: £43,935.00 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF67197
Company: Cavendish Nuclear (part of Babcock), Devonport Royal Dockyard site, Plymouth
Note: This position involves working onboard Royal Navy ships and submarines; candidates must be able to access and perform tasks in restricted or confined spaces.
The role
As a Materials Engineer, you’ll apply your expertise in materials science, engineering and metallurgy to support cutting-edge projects across labs, nuclear facilities and naval defence platforms, contributing to strategic defence programmes for Ministry of Defence priorities and UK commitments to NATO. Day-to-day, you’ll apply engineering specifications to ensure safe, effective delivery of critical programmes, guiding customer requirements and providing expert assessments on metallic and non-metallic materials across multi-disciplinary systems.
* Conduct specialist testing and inspection of nuclear systems and licensed facilities to ensure compliance
* Gain hands-on experience with new technologies like additive manufacturing, applying skills across the naval engineering lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning
* Evaluate and communicate performance characteristics of materials, components, welds, and assemblies
* Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to support material integrity and system reliability
* Provide expert insight on service failures, quality investigations and materials selection for future systems
Note: This role is on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth.
Essential experience
* Core understanding of materials, metallurgical principles and engineering applications, including testing, inspection, corrosion and failure analysis
* Technical expertise in selection, fabrication and treatment for both metallic and non-metallic materials
* Skilled in communicating complex technical concepts through clear documentation and presentations
* Proficient in data analysis, reporting, and digital collaboration tools
* Collaborative mindset with emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and project delivery
Qualifications
* Degree in Materials Science / Engineering, or relevant engineering or scientific degree with post-graduate study in a materials-related discipline
Security clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role. Additional notes: Many roles are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions; eligibility may be affected by place of birth, nationality, or residency. See GOV.UK for details.
What we offer
* Generous holiday allowance
* Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
* Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations
* Employee share scheme
* Employee shopping savings portal
* Professional fees paid
* Reservists in the armed forces receive 10 days paid leave
* Holiday Trading and Be Kind Day benefits
* Development opportunities and wellbeing support
Closing date: 18/09/2025
Notes: We are a disability confident committed employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during application and selection, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject line “Reasonable adjustments requirement”. Flexible working options available where feasible.
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