Safety Engineering Graduate Programme

What will you do on the programme?

At Babcock, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s a commitment. On this graduate programme, you’ll be part of a team at the forefront of that commitment, helping to ensure our people, operations and the communities we serve remain protected.

You could be supporting the design and maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines in Bristol, contributing to the safe operation of nuclear facilities at HM Naval Base Clyde, or dismantling decommissioned submarines in Rosyth. Wherever you're based, safety will be central to everything you do.

You’ll learn how to identify, analyse and mitigate risks across complex engineering environments. From nuclear safety cases and hazard analysis to regulatory compliance and safety assurance, your work will underpin the integrity of our most vital programmes.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to give you breadth, depth and a solid foundation in safety engineering.

You’ll rotate through a series of placements, each one offering insight into different areas of the discipline. These placements will take place across various teams and projects, helping you understand the full lifecycle of safety-critical systems.

As you progress, you’ll gain exposure to a wide range of safety engineering principles and begin to shape your direction. Whether you're collaborating with safety case authors or learning from human factors specialists, you’ll be building the knowledge, confidence and experience to become a trusted safety professional in a vital area of national defence.

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 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, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager

• Generous pension and employee share schemes

• Adaptable 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?

• A BSc or BEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Systems Engineering, Maths, Chemistry or Physics.

• Many of our graduate 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI).

Where will you be based?

Places on our Safety Engineering programme for Autumn 2026 are available in a variety of locations, including Bristol in England, and HM Naval Base Clyde and Rosyth in Scotland.

While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. Agile working is supported, but you’ll be expected to work on-site multiple times a week. We encourage adaptbaility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

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

• Keen to apply your safety engineering skills to dismantling retired submarines? Rosyth (Scotland) could be your perfect match.

• Looking to support the safe design and maintenance of submarines? Marine/Nuclear – Bristol focuses on sustaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

• Interested in maintaining the safety of nuclear operations at a key naval base? Clyde (Scotland) is where you’ll help ensure the safe running of nuclear facilities.

No matter where you start, you’ll gain valuable experience – and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.