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Naval Architecture Graduate Programme
Programme title: Naval Architecture Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,0
00. Salary is dependent on location, role and
qualifications.
Location: Rosyth, Fife, Scotland
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74558
What will you do on the programme?
As a Graduate Naval Architect at Babcock, you’ll play a part in some of the most
complex and exciting engineering projects in the world today. You’ll be involved
in a wide range of work that will help you build expertise across the many
aspects of naval architecture.
Your projects could involve anything from helping us dock a 16,000-tonne nuclear
submarine, to assessing the strength of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck for
F35 Lightning landings. You might analyse mooring arrangements for a new
frigate, design systems to withstand explosive events, or define stability
requirements for a submarine surfacing through polar ice. Whatever you’re
working on, you’ll learn directly from some of the most respected naval
architects and structural engineers in the industry.
Along the way, you’ll gain expertise in analysing and designing all aspects of
floating vessels and structures, from hull form and stability to propulsion and
human factors. Whether supporting frontline capability or pioneering new
technologies, you’ll be trusted to make a meaningful impact from the very
beginning.
How is the programme structured?
The Naval Architecture Graduate Programme runs for two years and is designed to
give you breadth and depth of experience across the discipline. You’ll move
through a series of placements, each lasting a few months, giving you the chance
to work in different teams and explore areas such as hydrodynamics, structures,
design, stability and safety.
These placements may take you to different areas of the business, from
supporting submarine sustainment to working on surface ships or marine
infrastructure projects. The variety ensures you see the full scope of naval
architecture in practice and understand how each discipline contributes to
successful project delivery.
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.
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.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social
wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP
service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and
volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
• You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc,
or MSc in one of the following subjects: Naval Architecture, Ship Science,
Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Ship Building, Offshore Engineering,
Composites, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering.
• Many of our 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 and maintain
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security
clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom
Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Naval Architecture programme for September 2027 are available in
Rosyth, Scotland.
Our 320-acre Rosyth facility is home to one of the UK’s largest and most
advanced waterside manufacturing and repair sites. As a graduate here, you might
be involved in the life-cycle support of naval vessels or helping to deliver
complex, large-scale marine build projects. From design through to hands-on
delivery and maintenance, your work will span the full spectrum of marine
engineering, offering the chance to contribute to high-profile programmes.
This role requires on-site attendance. By your start date, you must be able to
reliably commute to the site. This will normally require living within a
reasonable commuting distance of Rosyth or relocating before you join us.
While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different
sites across the UK are possible. We encourage flexibility and openness to
relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal
circumstances when arranging placements.
Application process and important information
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 recommend
submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as
soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from
you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes
oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be
eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or
adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply.
Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your
requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to
thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about
alternative patterns of work at interview.