Job Description

Job Title: Materials Engineer / Metallurgist
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: 43,935.00 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF67197
At Babcock we're working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as an engineering specialist in the Metallurgy & Materials team at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Materials Engineer, you'll have a role that's out of the ordinary. You'll apply your expertise in materials science, engineering and metallurgy to support cutting-edge projects across labs, nuclear facilities and naval defence platforms, contributing to strategic defence programmes for Ministry of Defence priorities and UK commitments to NATO.
Day-to-day, you'll apply engineering specifications to ensure safe, effective delivery of critical programmes, guiding customer requirements and providing expert assessments on metallic and non-metallic materials across multi-disciplinary systems.

• Conduct specialist testing and inspection of nuclear systems and licensed facilities to ensure compliance
• Gain hands-on experience with new technologies like additive manufacturing, applying skills across the naval engineering lifecycle, from concept to decommissioning
• Evaluate and communicate performance characteristics of materials, components, welds, and assemblies
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to support material integrity and system reliability
• Provide expert insight on service failures, quality investigations and materials selection for future systems

Please note that this position involves working onboard Royal Navy ships and submarines - candidates must be able to access and perform tasks in restricted or confined spaces.
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard, within the historic maritime city of Plymouth.
Essential experience of the Materials Engineer

• Core understanding of materials, metallurgical principles and engineering applications, including testing, inspection, corrosion and failure analysis
• Technical expertise in selection, fabrication and treatment for both metallic and non-metallic materials
• Skilled in communicating complex technical concepts through clear documentation and presentations
• Proficient in data analysis, reporting, and digital collaboration tools
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and effective project delivery

Qualifications for the Materials Engineer

• Degree in Materials Science / Engineering, or
• Relevant engineering or scientific degree with post-graduate study in a materials-related discipline

Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at .
What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.
• 'Be Kind Day' enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International
For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header 'Reasonable adjustments requirement'. 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.
Closing date: 18/09/2025
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Skills Required