Babcock International Group
Principal Commissioning Engineer
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Principal Commissioning Engineer
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: £57,300 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF71788
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. By joining us, you can make a difference as a Principal Commissioning Engineer – Constructive at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The Role
As a Principal Commissioning Engineer – Constructive, you’ll take on a unique and impactful position. This role entails leading the safe testing, setting-to-work, and commissioning of nuclear submarine systems. Within the Naval Nuclear business, you’ll oversee constructive and mechanical commissioning activities across multiple submarine projects, ensuring these vital national defence assets are returned to service safely.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
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Ensuring safety-aligned operations, control of systems, and commissioning processes are executed in accordance with Nuclear Site Licence requirements, Ministry of Defence Authorisation Conditions, and all relevant safety legislation.
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Overseeing the safe operation and regulation of mechanical plant and processes, with full adherence to nuclear safety regulations and MOD Authorisation Conditions.
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Preparing and authorising test documentation to align with project timelines and corporate standards.
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Fostering a strong safety culture, ensuring safety documentation and Safe Systems of Work are understood and effectively implemented.
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Managing constructive staff on a day-to-day basis and supporting the Manager of Trials in resource planning and development initiatives.
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Leading and developing your commissioning section to deliver high-quality testing, setting-to-work, and commissioning activities that meet time, cost, and quality standards.
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This position is full-time, operating on a 35-hour week, based at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential Experience
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Substantial knowledge and experience of commissioning, operating, and maintaining constructive/mechanical systems on nuclear submarines.
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A strong understanding of:
- Safe Systems of Work
- Safe release of systems
- Control of Work processes
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Knowledge of relevant Licence Conditions, Operating Rules, and Operating Instructions pertinent to nuclear commissioning.
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Ability to manage multiple complex commissioning packages simultaneously across several projects.
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Strong leadership, planning, and organisation skills, along with effective communication, ensuring consistently high performance standards.
Qualifications
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Level 4 qualification in an engineering discipline, or
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Level 3 qualification paired with significant commissioning operations experience.
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Completion of the Nuclear Practitioner Course (Modules 1–4) or equivalent.
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Certification in the Dockyard Nuclear Systems Course or an equivalent qualification.
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Additional professional development in nuclear, mechanical, or constructive engineering (desirable).
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. As part of our company’s compliance bound obligations, positions may be subject to national security clearances and Trade Control restrictions. Eligibility may depend on factors including:
- Place of birth
- Nationality
- Current or former citizenship
- Residency history
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Further details can be found at UK Government guidance on security vetting.
What We Offer
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Generous annual holiday allowance
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Pension scheme with life assurance benefits and matched contribution
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Access to Digital GP, annual health checks, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
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Employee shopping savings portal
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Payment of Professional Fees
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Reservists in the armed forces receive 10 days of special paid leave
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Holiday Trading beneficial for UK employees, allowing purchase or sale of annual leave from February through March
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‘Be Kind Day,’ granting one day of paid leave annually (or equivalent time) for volunteering work with a registered charity
Babcock
We’re Babcock, a global FTSE 100 organisation, with over 26,000 people united in delivering impactful work.
Becoming part of Babcock means joining a larger purpose—ensuring national security and performing essential infrastructure work. We deliver intrinsic value through meaningful lifetime careers, focusing on staff well-being and balance. This is called lifetime engineering.
Apply and engage with us today to see the complete potential of what can be achieved together.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Babcock is a disability-confident employer. Should you require reasonable adjustments during the application and selection process, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header "Reasonable adjustments requirement". We foster an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive and contribute freely.
An alternative flexible working arrangement can be discussed during interview phases.
Closing Date: 09/07/2026
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