Materials Engineering

About the programme

Want to be part of cutting-edge engineering projects that help support the Royal Navy? Join our Materials Engineering Graduate Programme and you could shape the future of naval engineering.

Our Materials Engineering Graduate Programme offers an exciting and immersive learning experience. You’ll work within Engineering Services, rotating through various placements including Metallurgy & Materials, Welding Design, and Non-Destructive Testing departments.

You’ll gain practical experience with new technologies and work alongside engineers from diverse backgrounds, all while being involved in the day-to-day operation of a centre of excellence.

As part of this programme, we encourage mobility across our sectors to give you a broader experience and wider exposure to our business. 

Materials Engineering at Babcock

On the Materials Engineering Graduate Programme, you will:

Engage in projects involving Additive Manufacturing, materials design, mechanised welding, and research development of new welding and Non-Destructive Testing processes.
Work on tasks for both submarine and surface fleet platforms.
Participate in in-water engineering projects.
Develop your technical knowledge, project management, and personal skills.
Contribute to the continued safe service of the Royal Navy and shape future platform processes and techniques.

You’ll have the chance to rotate through various departments, allowing you to develop a wide range of skills in different areas of metallurgy and engineering. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your management and professional skills, with personalised one-on-one support and mentorship to help you progress toward achieving Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.

What you'll need

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
A genuine interest in metallurgy and materials engineering.
Knowledge of materials testing and application, welding, or non-destructive testing is beneficial.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Many of our early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

What you'll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
Generous pension and employee share schemes
Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
Employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Graduate Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partner Gen Healthy Minds, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Where you'll be based

Places on our Materials Engineering programme for Autumn 2025 are available in our Nuclear sector in Plymouth. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme.

Nuclear – Plymouth

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

Depending on your programme, your home base could be Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth. However, some of your placements may be at other sites.

Current openings in
Materials Engineering

Location:

Application guidance

Check out our helpful advice on how to prepare for our application process.

Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible. 