Marine Structures Graduate Programme 2027

Programme details

• Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
• Location: We have placement opportunities in Bristol in England, and Rosyth in Scotland.
• Application closing date: 20 October 2026
• Programme start date: September 2027

What will you do on the programme?

• If you’re excited by large-scale engineering, world-leading naval technology and solving real-world problems, you’ll find plenty to get involved in here. Our Marine Structures Graduate Programme offers the opportunity to work across some of the most complex structural engineering projects in the defence sector – from supporting the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, to exploring future submarine concepts, and delivering advanced marine platforms.
• Throughout the programme, you’ll be part of multidisciplinary teams contributing to live projects that support the Royal Navy and other international customers. That might include performing structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis or designing platform structures for explosive shock survivability. You could be working on technical investigations, safety certifications, feasibility studies or platform surveys.
• This is meaningful work that touches every stage of a platform’s lifecycle. You’ll develop practical skills using software like Ansys and AutoCAD, gain exposure to pressure hull theory and engineering standards, and build a solid foundation in structural design and analysis.
• Whether you’re supporting submarine decommissioning, modernising small vessels or helping shape the future of unmanned marine technologies, you’ll be part of a team creating innovative, high-integrity solutions that help make the world a safer place.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to give you breadth, variety and meaningful experience across our Marine Structures teams.

Through a series of rotational placements, you’ll explore different aspects of structural engineering in a real-world defence environment. Each placement is carefully planned to give you valuable experience in live projects and build your understanding of structural design, safety, analysis and lifecycle management.

During the programme, you may have the opportunity to complete placements in different locations. This not only broadens your technical experience but also helps you build your professional network and gain a deeper understanding of how our business operates across sites.

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.

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.

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: Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Naval Architecture, Ship Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, Shipbuilding, Offshore Engineering, Composites, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering.
• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, meaning your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or any residency you hold or have held may impact your eligibility. Restrictions may vary depending on the business area or location in which you work, so please refer to the relevant job advert for full details before applying.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Marine Structures programme for September 2027 are available in our Nuclear sector in Bristol, England and our Marine sector in Rosyth, Scotland.

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

• Excited by the idea of designing and maintaining cutting-edge naval ships? Rosyth (Scotland) is home to our advanced manufacturing facility and could be your perfect match.
• Keen on strategic design and support for submarines? 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.

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.

About the Company

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.

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.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.