Commissioning Engineering in Plymouth
Protect the protectors
At Babcock you’ll get hands-on with one of the most complex machines on the planet. Using your electrical and mechanical skills, you’ll test, fault find and and set-to-work, providing functional and safety assurance on Royal Navy submarines.
Whether you’ve worked on naval vessels before or not – we will train and equip you to apply your engineering experience and become a subject matter expert on submarine systems. You can play your part in protecting the protectors.
Meet our team
“I originally started at Babcock as an Electrical Apprentice and had always been told that the Commissioning Group was one of the best places to work in the Dockyard. Commissioning offers the chance to work within a vastly experienced and knowledgeable team day-in-day-out, and gain an in-depth insight into all aspects of the boat. It’s a myriad of systems, and the process of getting these complex platforms through their maintenance periods and returned to service safely and to a high standard is very satisfying. I would recommend Commissioning to anyone who has the desire to develop themselves in role where you can solve problems with hands-on practical ability.”
Chris – Senior Commissioning Engineer, Electrical
“Working in Commissioning allows me to be an engineer. No two days are ever the same. It’s a job that allows you to see the output of your hard work and how the work feeds into a bigger picture, ultimately leading to a submarine sailing from the dockyard to carry out her duties and keeping all of her crew safe. Being from the outskirts of London I didn’t envisage myself moving across the country to work in the defence sector on naval vessels but I’m glad I did. I have been very well supported to develop, and encouraged to undertake a variety of training courses. I am also working towards gaining Chartership with the IMechE.”
Abby – Commissioning Package Manager
“One of the biggest benefits of working in the commissioning department is how it has developed my skills. I regularly work alongside project engineers, design engineers, support engineers, facilities, and ships staff – coordinating our efforts to ensure everything came together properly. It allowed me to build my network, something I know will be incredibly valuable. It’s been hugely satisfying to be part of a team that brings complex systems to life, and this experience has given me the confidence to take on bigger challenges as I continue to grow as an engineer.”
Harry – Higher Level Apprentice in Mechanical Engineering, Commissioning Group
“I joined as a Commissioning Engineer having previously worked as a HGV technician. I’ve found the role enjoyable as I am heavily involved in the recommissioning of a wide variety of mechanical systems. There is a lot of opportunities here – since I joined, I have been promoted to Senior and Principal Commissioning Engineer – and its always rewarding to know that we have handed back a capable and reliable system to the Royal Navy.”
Adam – Principal Commissioning Engineer
What roles do we offer?
Assistant Commissioning Engineer
You’ll support commissioning engineers carrying out the inspection, testing and commissioning of submarine systems whilst developing your own knowledge, skills and experience. Assistants need to hold a apprenticeship or other electrical or mechanical qualification up to Level 2.
Commissioning Engineer
Lead on the inspection, testing and commissioning of submarine systems. As well as holding a recognised electrical or mechanical apprenticeship (to level 3 or 4), Commissioning Engineers will need to have experience in an engineering role/discipline such as Electrical, Mechanical or Constructive.
Senior Commissioning Engineer
As a Senior Engineer you’ll lead a team and act as the SME and Shift Lead – planning, coordinating and delivering various work packages. As a Senior you’ll need to come equipped with knowledge of commissioning ship and submarine systems.
Principal Commissioning Engineer
Our Principal Commissioning Engineers have oversight and management of multiple commissioning activities, leading a team of both Senior and Commissioning Engineers. You’ll need substantial commissioning experience, and experience of managing and developing Commissioning Engineers.
Trials Manager
As a Trials Manager you will have strategic leadership and management of commissioning activities and lead a team of skilled engineers to carry out the inspection, testing and commissioning of submarine systems.
We’re currently recruiting for Commissioning Engineers and Senior Commissioning Engineers.
If you have what it takes to work on Nuclear Submarines, please apply here.
Why join Babcock as a Commissioning Engineer?
Create a safe and secure world
In this role you’ll have a direct impact on keeping submariners safe and submarines at sea. With long-term contracts that cover the life of the fleet, and working as part of the largest naval base in Western Europe, for you this means a job with long term stability and progression.
You’ll pick up the challenge of helping to create a safe and secure world whilst enjoying the wide variety of important work we do.
Supported to deliver
Our work in delivering through-life support and life extension of current and future submarines involves a wide range of engineering skills and teams.
The role is full of variety and is the start of a career journey that will see you accumulate years of first-hand engineering knowledge and experience. We will train and equip you to apply your engineering experience – and there will always be something new to learn and discover as you progress.
A rewarding team
No matter the what the engineering challenge you’ll face is, you’ll never be daunted – because your team will be right there beside you.
United by our shared purpose and principles, our people are tight-knit, experienced, welcoming, and ready to support you. We also provide rewards that our team love.
Career progression
We’ll provide you with a tailored training plan, which – incorporated with our Commissioning Development Framework – will support and accelerate your growth.
If you’ve got engineering knowledge and experience to draw upon, we’ll provide you with the training to become a subject matter expert in Submarine Commissioning. Commissioning offers a career, not just a job. Offering great progression in both technical & management roles.
Relocating to Plymouth
Our Commissioning team are located at the historical HMNB Devonport, which is Western Europe’s largest naval base.
Relocating to Plymouth offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, rich history, and modern amenities that make it an attractive destination for individuals and families alike. Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth boasts stunning waterfront views, a vibrant cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. With excellent transport links, affordable housing, and proximity to natural attractions like Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth provides a high quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, green spaces, or educational opportunities, Plymouth has something to offer everyone.
In fact, the city was recently ranked second in the TotalJobs ‘Quality of Life Index’.
