Our Systems Engineering Graduate Programme is designed to develop you into a skilled Systems Engineer. Using systems principles and concepts, you’ll learn how to support the development of engineering designs through the whole lifecycle. You’ll help ensure our clients' systems remain reliable, seamlessly adapt to changes in partner systems, and operate efficiently without issues.
You might find yourself working on submarine design projects or warship refits. You could also be involved in complex marine projects, military or emergency services fleet maintenance, vehicle development, rail engineering or nuclear programmes. The possibilities are incredibly varied.
Systems Engineering at Babcock
You'll receive comprehensive support as you develop expertise in systems engineering - an interdisciplinary approach to the design, development, operation, and maintenance of complex systems.
You'll work closely with experienced teams across design, software, mechanical, constructive, and electrical engineering, as well as with project management, quality, and supply chain specialists. You’ll apply your evolving systems engineering skills to engage with various stakeholders, understand system needs, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure that systems meet their requirements.
What you'll need
- Due to the nature of this discipline, we accept a wide range of STEM degrees. Our preference is that your degree is also accredited by the relevant institution.
- 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 our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.
What you'll get
We’ll 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 Systems Engineering programme for Autumn 2025 are available in our Marine – Mission Systems business in Plymouth.
Babcock’s Mission Systems business designs and delivers complex solutions for our customers, and in areas such as High Frequency Communications we are world leaders. Our circa 2,000 employees are involved in everything from maintaining satellites in space as part of our Skynet contract, to electronic warfare, advanced manufacturing and technology solutions as well as services in and around disruptive technologies.
We operate from several sites across the UK and internationally, ensuring our global customer portfolio is always supported. Your home base will be Plymouth, but some of your placements may be at other Babcock locations.
As part of this programme, we encourage mobility across our sectors to give you a broader experience and wider exposure to our business.
Closing dates
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
Making your application
We offer a diverse range of early careers programmes. Please explore your options and select the programme that best aligns with your passions and interests. Choose carefully, as only one application can be reviewed per cycle.
If you submit multiple applications, only the first one received will be considered. If the programme you apply for is oversubscribed, we’ll transfer your application to another programme you are eligible for and interested in.