Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme

Programme Description

Join our Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme and play a key role in supporting and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Devonport Royal Dockyard running. You’ll help ensure that facilities – ranging from waterfront structures to nuclear safety-related and heritage assets – are safe, fit for purpose, and ready to meet future demands. Your work will bridge the gap between design and reality, ensuring that reference designs accurately reflect the physical state and are correctly configured.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include a mix of office-based technical tasks and site inspections. You’ll produce technical drawings, models, and reports, carry out structural analysis using tools such as finite element analysis, and assess the condition of assets through detailed site surveys. You’ll also contribute to design modifications and support new build projects, developing engineering solutions and working across the full design lifecycle – from requirements capture and optioneering to detailed design, construction, commissioning, and through-life support.

Programme Structure

Over two years, you’ll rotate through a variety of teams including technical design, facilities management, and project management. These rotations are designed to give you broad exposure to the engineering challenges and solutions across the site. You’ll gain experience both in the design office and on-site, building your technical knowledge and professional relationships while achieving key learning objectives. This structure provides a strong foundation for a career in civil and structural engineering.

Support and Development

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalized 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.

Post-Programme Opportunities

Upon completing the programme, you’ll step into the role of a Civil and Structural Engineer at Devonport, Plymouth. From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities, and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

Rewards and Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, wellbeing and life outside of work. 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, and wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing. You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Application Requirements

You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline, such as Civil and Coastal Engineering or Civil and Structural 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), Security Check (SC), and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Location and Application Process

Places on our Civil and Structural Engineering Graduate Programme for Autumn 2027 are available in Devonport, Plymouth. Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships, and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

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. Please apply to one programme only. We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you need adjustments or support at any stage, please let us know. 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 the interview.