Process Design Engineering

About the programme

The Process Design Engineering Graduate Programme at Babcock is a two-year rotational scheme. You’ll work with diverse teams across office environments, on board submarines, and in supporting facilities. Throughout the programme, you’ll gain essential knowledge, build professional relationships, and achieve key learning objectives, all aimed at preparing you for a Design Engineer role that contributes to the upkeep of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

To support you in your role, you’ll have access to the latest computer hardware and software, along with subject matter experts from a range of interfacing disciplines. You’ll benefit from numerous opportunities for nuclear-specific, technical and non-technical training and development. Additionally, you’ll be encouraged to pursue professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, with a mentor to guide you through the process. All membership and application fees for this professional development will be covered.

Process Design Engineering at Babcock

On the Process Design Engineering Graduate Programme, you’ll work with a team of engineers who serve as the Technical Authority for nuclear processes and associated equipment that support reactor plant temperature and chemistry control, the handling of radioactive liquid effluent, and defuel/refuel activities.

You’ll be responsible for maintaining and updating reference design documentation, producing technical drawings, models, and reports, and conducting analysis, surveys, validations, and inspections to ensure that information is accurate, and that equipment is fit-for-purpose.

Your work will also involve developing design solutions to enhance capabilities and improve functionality across the entire design lifecycle – from requirements capture, optioneering, and detailed design development, to physical implementation, through-life support, and eventually decommissioning and disposal.

Additionally, you may be involved in nuclear safety-related design tasks that demand a high level of technical substantiation. You’ll gain an understanding of various site facilities and the rigorous design and safety processes in place to ensure that all equipment and facilities are safe, fit for purpose, and compliant with regulations.

What you'll need

A BEng (Hons) degree or a BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant Engineering subject.
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 this role, you must be a sole UK national and eligible to obtain and maintain Security Check (SC) clearance, as well as Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance.

What you'll get

We will 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 business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really 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 Process Design 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
Process Design Engineering

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. 