Naval Architect

We Served; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking a full-time Naval Architect to contribute to national defence at the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, England. The ideal candidate will manage assets, prepare design specifications, and ensure the infrastructure remains ready for the Royal Navy. A degree in Naval Architecture or significant practical experience is required, along with strong communication skills and proficiency in AutoCAD. This role involves maintaining safety and efficiency in a dynamic environment, with a closing date for applications set for 26/02/2026.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to Digital GP and health consultations

Employee share scheme

Excellent development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in naval architecture and related engineering disciplines is essential.
• Ability to work within complex environments and deliver on time.

Responsibilities

• Manage through-life support for floating assets.
• Prepare design estimates and schedules.
• Develop specifications for future waterfront assets.

Skills

Experience with ports and harbour facilities

Strong organisational and communication skills

Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software

Understanding of survey/NDE techniques and vessel construction

Analytical and proactive problem-solving

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture or engineering discipline

Significant practical experience in ship maintenance or facility management

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Naval Architect
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: £45,692 + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF66496

Shape the Future of Naval Engineering

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 Naval Architect at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Naval Architect, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to national defence and develop your career in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment.

Day-to-day, you’ll be part of a core team dedicated to ensuring the waterfront at Devonport Royal Dockyard remains ready for the berthing of Royal Navy surface ships and submarines. You’ll help shape the future infrastructure of the dockyard, making it more efficient and safer, while maintaining existing facilities.

• Managing through-life support for floating assets
• Surveying assets, specifying refit and repair packages, and overseeing post-refit acceptance
• Reviewing periodical surveys and ensuring compliance
• Preparing design estimates, schedules, tenders, and monitoring costs
• Developing future waterfront assets with the Ministry of Defence, creating specifications to meet operational demands

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Essential experience of the Naval Architect

• Experience with ports and harbour facilities
• Strong organisational and communication skills to deliver in complex environments
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar design software
• Understanding of survey/NDE techniques, repair standards, and vessel construction
• Analytical and proactive approach to problem-solving

Qualifications for the Naval Architect

• Degree in Naval Architecture or another engineering discipline
• Alternatively, significant practical experience in ship maintenance or facility management

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be a sole UK national who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) 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 GOV.UK – security vetting and clearance levels.

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 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 a 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: 26/02/2026