Human Factors

What will you do on the programme?

Human Factors plays a vital role in keeping people safe and operations running smoothly. Whether supporting the Royal Navy, shaping advanced defence systems or contributing to clean energy projects, you’ll help ensure equipment, environments and procedures are designed with people in mind.

As part of our multi-disciplinary teams, you’ll work on live projects across the full lifecycle – from concept and construction to in-service support, decommissioning and incident investigation. That could mean supporting nuclear operations, influencing the design of submarines or refining how critical systems are used and maintained.

You might carry out task analysis, contribute to requirements, or help ensure people have the tools, environment and procedures to work safely and effectively. Alongside this, you’ll meet operational staff, shadow senior professionals and collaborate with engineers, designers and stakeholders – building your expertise and making a real impact through design.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to build your confidence, grow your expertise and help you find your path within Human Factors.

You’ll rotate across different teams and projects, applying your skills in real-world settings and contributing to safe, effective operations. 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.

How do we develop and support 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.

As part of your development, you’ll have the opportunity to work towards technical membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors – a recognised step toward achieving full Chartership with the CIEHF.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Upon completing the programme, you’ll transition into a permanent role within Human Factors.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

Rewards and benefits

What do you need to apply?

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Human Factors, Ergonomics, Behavioural Sciences, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Systems Engineering or Sociology.
Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Where will you be based?

Select one of the locations below to find out about the different areas of our business that are offering places on our Human Factors Graduate Programme for Autumn 2026.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

Cavendish Nuclear – Bristol or Warrington

Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether you’re based in Bristol or Warrington, you’ll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.

Marine/Nuclear – HM Naval Base Devonport, Plymouth

Based at Devonport in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll be part of a team that provides critical support to the Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines. Here, you’ll apply human factors principles to real-world naval operations, supporting everything from ship and submarine maintenance to wider base activities.

Your work will help people, equipment and procedures function safely and effectively together, contributing to the operational readiness of the fleet. This is a unique opportunity to bring human-centred thinking into high-integrity environments and make a direct impact on safety and performance.

Mission Systems – Bristol

At Babcock’s Mission Systems business in Bristol, Human Factors plays a vital role in the development of some of the world’s most advanced defence technologies. From cutting-edge communication and weapon systems to complex, safety-critical platforms, this is where intuitive design meets real-world application.

Over the course of your placements, you’ll contribute to live projects across the full system lifecycle. Working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, you’ll apply your human factors knowledge to ensure the people using these systems have the right tools, environments, training and support to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Not sure which business area to apply for? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Curious about the UK’s nuclear future? At Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll find diverse placement opportunities across the UK, giving you the chance to work on projects that protect our nation, secure our energy supply, and support our journey to net zero.
Passionate about supporting ships and submarines? At Devonport (Plymouth), the largest naval base in Western Europe, you’ll support vital naval operations.
Fascinated by advanced technologies, space and satellite systems? Mission Systems (Bristol) is where innovation meets high-tech engineering.

No matter where you start, you’ll gain valuable experience – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Current openings in
Human Factors

Location:

Application guidance

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.