Naval Architecture

3 open programmes View all

Salary

£35,000*

*Your starting salary will be at least £35,000, with the final amount based on your role, location, and qualifications.

Location

Devonport, Plymouth, Bristol, Rosyth, Fife, Scotland

We have placement opportunities in Plymouth and Bristol in England, and Rosyth in Scotland.

Applications close

Oct 16, 2025

To be sure you don’t miss out, apply early – applications may close sooner than advertised if interest is high.

Programme starts

Sep 7, 2026

Start dates will be staggered from 7th September 2026. We will confirm your exact start date during onboarding.

What will you do on the programme?

As a Graduate Naval Architect at Babcock, you’ll play a part in some of the most complex and exciting engineering projects in the world today. You’ll be involved in a wide range of work that will help you build expertise across the many aspects of naval architecture.

Your projects could involve anything from helping us dock a 16,000-tonne nuclear submarine, to assessing the strength of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck for F35 Lightning landings. You might analyse mooring arrangements for a new frigate, design systems to withstand explosive events, or define stability requirements for a submarine surfacing through polar ice. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll learn directly from some of the most respected naval architects and structural engineers in the industry.

Along the way, you’ll gain expertise in analysing and designing all aspects of floating vessels and structures, from hull form and stability to propulsion and human factors. Whether supporting frontline capability or pioneering new technologies, you’ll be trusted to make a meaningful impact from the very beginning.

How is the programme structured?

The Naval Architecture Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to give you breadth and depth of experience across the discipline. You’ll move through a series of placements, each lasting a few months, giving you the chance to work in different teams and explore areas such as hydrodynamics, structures, design, stability and safety.

These placements may take you to different areas of the business, from supporting submarine sustainment to working on surface ships or marine infrastructure projects. The variety ensures you see the full scope of naval architecture in practice and understand how each discipline contributes to successful project delivery.

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.

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

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

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.

Play video

What do Naval Architects have to say?

Meet Harry, one of our graduates. In this short film, Harry shares his experience on the Naval Architecture Graduate Programme.

With a lifelong passion for ships, Harry dives into his role in helping to design, maintain, and support Royal Navy vessels. From docking ships to performing finite element analysis, no two days are the same for Harry. He discusses the practical experience he’s gained with cutting-edge technology and the exciting opportunities that await graduates in the programme.

Read Harry's story

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?

  • We accept degrees in Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Maritime/Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, and Ship Building.
  • A degree accredited by RINA/IMarEST is preferred.
  • 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 Naval Architecture 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.

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.

Your home base will be Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth. However, some of your placements may be at other sites.

Our business in Bristol is a key strategic partner to our customers – the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy. We ensure that the UK Royal Navy goes to sea safely by sustaining the submarines with updates, design and documentation, upgrades and overhauls. We are developing innovative Operations Centres, technology insertion programmes, predictive data analytics and visualisation and training aids using games engine technologies.

Your home base will be Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol. Here, you’ll work on a wide array of activities, from cutting-edge naval projects to commercial vessels and advanced maritime platforms.

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility, which is home to one of the largest and most modern waterside advanced manufacturing and repair facilities in the UK. As a graduate here, you might be involved in the life-cycle support of naval vessels or helping to deliver complex, large-scale marine build projects. From design through to hands-on delivery and maintenance, your work will span the full spectrum of marine engineering, offering the chance to contribute to high-profile programmes.

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

  • Excited by the idea of designing and maintaining cutting-edge naval ships? Rosyth (Scotland) is home to our advanced manufacturing facility and could be your perfect match.
  • Keen on strategic design and support for submarines? Marine/Nuclear – Bristol focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability projects with national impact.
  • Passionate about supporting in-service submarines and surface ships?
    Devonport (Plymouth) is a key naval base where you can work directly with the Royal Navy.

Current openings in
Naval Architecture

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.

Application process

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Application hints & tips

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Frequently Asked Questions - Graduates

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Any questions?

Got something specific you need an answer to? Then check out our Graduate, Undergraduate and Apprenticeship FAQs.