Senior Electrical and Electronic Engineer
Location: Bristol
Sector/Business unit: Marine
My role at Babcock, why I chose it and why I chose Babcock:
I am currently one of the lead engineers within Bristol’s Power Team in the Submarine Support Enterprise, overseeing a team of engineers in the core Electrical, Control, and Instrumentation (EC&I) section. This is the same team I started with on the graduate programme, and I felt so at home with my colleagues and their work that I returned to it as soon as my role of responsibility began a year and a half later. My primary role is to ensure that tasks and projects from our Ministry of Defence (MoD) customers are properly scoped, undertaken, and delivered.
What I love about my role is the variety. Every task is different, so I’m constantly researching and expanding my knowledge of both current in-service submarine electrical systems and future technologies that will be used for the submarines of tomorrow. My responsibilities also involve frequent travel for meetings at nearby dockyards, such as Devonport, Faslane, and Barrow, and conducting visual surveys on submarines.
I chose Babcock because as a company, they have strong guiding principles and are highly rated within the defence industry. My experience so far has confirmed that this was an excellent choice.
My most rewarding project/experience:
The most rewarding project I’ve worked on is the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) model. It involved building a virtual model of a submarine compartment which is used to ensure that new equipment does not interfere with the magnetic field of neighbouring electrical equipment. I oversaw colleagues from different areas within the business unit to deliver the model which was highly praised. It received such positive recognition that it’s not only being developed further to model more of the vessel, but it won the innovation award at the Engineering Safety Directors Forum in March 2024.
My development:
Babcock is very supportive of employee development. When I started on the graduate programme, I was provided with a ‘buddy’ for day-to-day issues and a mentor to guide my progress towards Chartership. Thanks to this support, I achieved Chartership in August 2022.
Training is a major focus at Babcock. I’ve taken several highly beneficial courses, including a three-week submarine design course at University College London (UCL) and the Eurofins EMC course in York. Many of my colleagues have also pursued Master’s degrees while working here, with designated days to focus on their studies.
My journey with Babcock has been both enjoyable and enriching. I’ve gained a wealth of specialist knowledge and formed great friendships. I have been fortunate enough to win two awards and achieve Chartership, accomplishments that I am proud of and that will help me stand out in the future.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a space on the Electrical and Electronics Graduate Programme?
Go for it. The programme provides extensive knowledge and sought-after skills for any career path you choose. Make connections and explore different placements within the company. Babcock offers a variety of interesting roles, so you’re bound to find something that suits you. I’m confident you won’t regret joining the graduate programme at Babcock.
Learn more about our Electrical and Electronic Engineering Graduate Programme and apply online
