Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems

We Served; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking a Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems in Helensburgh, UK. This full-time role involves testing and commissioning submarine systems, ensuring the highest of safety and quality standards. Candidates should possess proven experience in mechanical commissioning and safety protocols, along with appropriate qualifications. Offering competitive compensation, generous holiday allowance, and excellent development opportunities, this is an essential position supporting national defense efforts.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to Digital GP and health consultations

Employee share scheme

Payment of Professional Fees

Volunteering day off

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical commissioning and testing.
• Ability to work autonomously and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of safety and quality protocols in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conducting mechanical testing, calibration, and commissioning of submarine systems.
• Supporting the Senior Test Engineer to optimise team performance.
• Applying safety, quality, and environmental standards in all activities.

Skills

Mechanical commissioning

Team collaboration

Safety protocols

Technical documentation interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship

HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems

Location: Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute

Compensation: £41,255 - £50,500 + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Engineer the Next Generation of Naval Defence.

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems at our HMNB Clyde Faslane site.

The role

As a Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. You’ll be at the heart of submarine readiness—ensuring critical systems are tested, calibrated, and commissioned to the highest standards. This is a hands‑on, technically engaging role that directly supports national defence and safety. You’ll solve complex engineering challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to the delivery of world‑class naval assets.

Day‑to‑day you’ll be:

• Conducting mechanical testing, calibration, and commissioning of submarine systems
• Supporting the Senior Test Engineer to optimise team performance and resource allocation
• Applying safety, quality, and environmental standards across all commissioning activities
• Reviewing engineering documentation and contributing to cross‑functional problem‑solving
• Collaborating with contractors and internal teams to manage risks and meet commissioning goals

This role is full time, 36 hours per week Monday to Thursday and is based on site at HMNB Clyde Faslane.

Essential experience of the Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems

• Proven experience in mechanical commissioning and testing
• Ability to work autonomously and within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of safety and quality protocols in engineering environments
• Experience interpreting technical documentation and resolving engineering issues
• Comfortable engaging with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications for the Commissioning Mechanical Test Engineer - Combat Systems

• Recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or
• HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent with relevant experience)

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 United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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 [e-mail] 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: 02/01/2026