Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

Over two years, you’ll rotate through placements every three to six months, giving you the chance to explore a variety of projects and teams. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

Along the way, you’ll build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, while gradually taking on greater responsibilities, such as leading small teams and overseeing projects.

As you progress, you'll have the chance to align your placements with your interests and career goals, helping you build relevant experience in areas that matter most to you.

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

To support your journey toward Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.

Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering Function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you've developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we've introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng or MEng in one of the following subjects: Mechanical, Structural, Motorsport, Materials, Mechatronics, Engine Systems, Welding, Automotive, or AeroMechanical.

Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.

Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Places on our Mechanical Engineering programme for September 2027 are available in our Marine sector in Bristol, Plymouth, or Ashchurch in Gloucestershire, giving you the opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced technologies that enable safer, smarter and more connected operations worldwide.

You’ll work on the design, development and integration of communications systems, electronic warfare capabilities and other technologies used across naval and maritime platforms. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll tackle complex engineering challenges, drive innovation and help shape the future of naval capability.

Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.