Systems Engineering

5 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

Across the UK

We offer placements in a variety of locations, including Plymouth, Bristol, Walsall 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 1, 2026

Programme start dates may vary by location.

What will you do on the programme?

At Babcock, Systems Engineering is the glue that holds complex projects together. As a Graduate Systems Engineer, you’ll be at the centre of some of the UK’s most advanced engineering programmes – applying systems principles to ensure that every component, process and stakeholder aligns to deliver safe, effective and sustainable solutions.

Your work will shape systems that matter. You could be involved in designing and integrating cutting-edge submarines, converting military vehicles for new operational roles, refurbishing naval ships to extend their service life, developing secure satellite communication systems, or advancing next-generation nuclear power plants that support the UK’s net-zero goals. Each project presents unique systems challenges – and opportunities to make a real impact.

You’ll support work across various stages of the engineering lifecycle – from technology innovation and concept design to production, commissioning, in-service support, and decommissioning. You’ll help bring structure to complexity – defining requirements, managing interfaces and supporting integration across multidisciplinary teams. Through practical experience and structured development, you’ll build the skills to engage with stakeholders, understand system needs, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure systems meet requirements and are ready for the real world.

How is the programme structured?

Over two years, you’ll rotate through placements every three to six months, giving you the opportunity to explore a broad range of projects and teams. 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.

Along the way, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals across design, software, mechanical, construction, and electrical engineering, as well as in project management, quality assurance, and supply chain.

This experience will help you build a strong foundation in systems engineering, while gradually taking on greater responsibilities, such as leading small teams and overseeing projects. As you progress, you’ll have the chance to align your placements with your interests and career goals, helping you build relevant experience in areas that matter most to you.

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.

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What do Systems Engineers have to say?

Meet Sonali, a Graduate Systems Engineer. Sonali shares her experience on the graduate programme – from the variety in her day-to-day work, to the exciting placements she’s chosen to be part of. She talks about the projects she’s contributed to, the technical and soft skills she’s developed, and the value she’s found in having the flexibility to shape her own path.

Read Sonali'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 a broad variety of degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based subjects.
  • 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 Systems 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.

Our Land sector delivers complex and critical services to civil and military organisations worldwide. From converting specialist vehicles for the Metropolitan Police to developing innovative solutions for civilian armoured vehicles and military platforms, the work we do helps ensure safety, reliability, and operational readiness.

Working across various UK locations, you’ll help turn complex requirements into practical, dependable solutions that our customers can trust in the most demanding environments. Your work will directly contribute to the safety of people and the success of operations – whether that’s through supporting the delivery of specialist vehicles for emergency services, enhancing the reliability of armoured platforms, or ensuring that logistic systems are ready for deployment.

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 contribute to projects such as life-extension programmes, capability upgrades, and the overhaul of nuclear-powered submarines.

You could be involved in optimising maintenance strategies, supporting the integration of new systems, or developing innovative solutions that ensure systems perform safely, efficiently, and in line with their design intent.

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, you could be involved in supporting the full lifecycle of naval vessels or helping deliver complex, large-scale marine build projects.

Whether you’re working on new-build programmes or enhancing existing systems, your role will be vital in delivering dependable, mission-ready solutions across the marine industry.

If you’re interested in advanced manufacturing, and disruptive technologies, Mission Systems is where you’ll thrive. Based in Bristol, Plymouth, Hawthorn, or Oakhanger, you could be involved in the design and delivery of advanced communications systems, electronic warfare capabilities, or satellite operations supporting national defence. This is a hub for innovation, where engineers help shape the future of defence technology and support global clients across land, sea, air, and space.

At our Bristol office, you’ll join teams focused on ensuring that the UK Royal Navy goes to sea safely by sustaining the submarines with updates, design and documentation, upgrades and overhauls. With opportunities to contribute to future submarine support, manufacturing, and the application of emerging technologies, this is a great place to apply your systems engineering skills to real-world challenges and help shape the future of naval engineering.

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

  • Interested in converting military vehicles and supporting frontline operations? Our Land placements across the UK give you the opportunity to support the British Army and maintain emergency service fleets.
  • Excited by the idea of supporting the design and maintenance of cutting-edge naval ships? Rosyth (Scotland) is home to our advanced manufacturing facility and could be your perfect match.
  • Passionate about supporting submarines and surface ships? Devonport (Plymouth) is a key naval base where you can work directly with the Royal Navy.
  • Fascinated by advanced technologies, or space and satellite systems?
    Mission Systems (Bristol, Plymouth, Hawthorn or Oakhanger) is where innovation meets high-tech engineering.
  • Keen on strategic design and support for submarines? Marine/Nuclear – Bristol focuses on cutting-edge design and sustainability projects with national impact.

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

Current openings in
Systems Engineering

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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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.