Safety Engineering

What will you do on the programme?

At Babcock, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s a commitment. On this graduate programme, you’ll be part of a team at the forefront of that commitment, helping to ensure our people, operations and the communities we serve remain protected.

You could be supporting the design and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines in Bristol, contributing to the safe operation of nuclear facilities at HM Naval Base Clyde, or dismantling decommissioned submarines in Rosyth. Wherever you’re based, safety will be central to everything you do.

You’ll learn how to identify, analyse and mitigate risks across complex engineering environments. From nuclear safety cases and hazard analysis to regulatory compliance and safety assurance, your work will underpin the integrity of our most vital programmes.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to give you breadth, depth and a strong foundation in safety engineering.

You’ll rotate through a series of placements, each one offering insight into different areas of the discipline. These placements will take place across various teams and projects, helping you understand the full lifecycle of safety-critical systems.

As you progress, you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of safety engineering principles and begin to shape your direction. Whether you’re collaborating with safety case authors or learning from human factors specialists, you’ll be building the knowledge, confidence and experience to become a trusted safety professional in a vital area of national defence.

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 full 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.

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 BSc or BEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Systems Engineering, Maths, Chemistry or Physics.
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), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI). 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 Safety Engineering 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.

Marine/Nuclear – Bristol

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 the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol. Here, you’ll learn how to identify, analyse and mitigate hazards and risks — applying that knowledge to support the safe design, maintenance and operational effectiveness of Royal Navy submarines.

Marine/Nuclear – HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Babcock’s HM Naval Base Clyde operation provides highly specialist engineering support services, including the management of critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities. We also deliver operational maintenance, upgrades and repairs to support Royal Navy vessels, including the Vanguard and Astute-Class nuclear submarines based in Scotland.

Here you’ll gain valuable experience of how nuclear facilities are operated and maintained, contributing to projects that ensure safety, compliance and performance. Whether you’re supporting routine maintenance, working on facility upgrades or contributing to long-term improvements, you’ll be right at the centre of a critical defence capability.

Marine – Rosyth, Scotland

At the heart of our Marine business is our 320-acre Rosyth facility — home to one of the UK’s largest and most advanced waterside manufacturing and repair sites. As a graduate here, you’ll be part of a team supporting the Ministry of Defence in dismantling nuclear-powered submarines. This involves carefully removing reactor systems and managing materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal. Your work will help reduce environmental impact, enhance safety and security, and support the long-term sustainability of the submarine enterprise.

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

Keen to apply your safety engineering skills to dismantling retired submarines? Rosyth (Scotland) could be your perfect match.
Looking to support the safe design and maintenance of submarines? Marine/Nuclear – Bristol focuses on sustaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.
Interested in maintaining the safety of nuclear operations at a key naval base? Clyde (Scotland) is where you’ll help ensure the safe running of nuclear facilities.

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

Current openings in
Safety Engineering

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.