Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Babcock Canada Inc.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join their Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme in Bristol. You will work on impactful engineering projects, rotating through various placements to develop technical expertise and leadership skills. The role offers a minimum starting salary of £35,000, comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowance, and professional development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have an accredited engineering degree and the ability to achieve necessary security clearances.

Benefits

25 days of holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension and employee share schemes

Flexible benefits including cycle-to-work scheme and discounts

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Must hold relevant engineering degree.
• Able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to engineering solutions for impactful projects.
• Rotate through placements every three to six months.
• Lead design reviews and oversee stress analysis.

Skills

Engineering degrees (Mechanical, Structural, Materials, Motorsport, Mechatronics, Engine Systems, Welding)

Ability to achieve Security Clearance

Education

Engineering degree accredited by relevant institution

Job description

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Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Location: Bristol, GB, BS16 1EJ

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Application closing date: 8th January 2026

What will you do on the programme?

Join our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme, and you’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most impactful engineering projects. This is your chance to contribute to engineering solutions that help safeguard tomorrow while developing the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to thrive in your career.

At Babcock, you’ll support work across various stages of the engineering lifecycle – from technology innovation and concept design to production, commissioning, in-service support, and decommissioning.

You could be designing cutting‑edge submarines, converting military vehicles, refurbishing ships, or advancing next‑generation nuclear power plants that support the UK’s net‑zero goals. The possibilities are incredibly diverse.

You’ll work alongside a global network of engineers, technicians, and specialists who share your passion for innovation and precision. Whether you’re leading design reviews, overseeing stress analysis, or managing the integration of mechanical systems into high‑performance platforms, your expertise will help ensure the safety, reliability and performance of critical national infrastructure.

How is the programme structured?

Over two years, you’ll rotate through placements every three to six months, giving you the chance to explore a variety of projects and teams. These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

Along the way, you’ll build a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, while gradually taking on greater responsibilities, such as leading small teams and overseeing projects.

As you progress, you’ll have the chance to align your placements with your interests and career goals, helping you build relevant experience in areas that matter most to you.

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 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
• Flexible benefits, including cycle‑to‑work scheme and 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?

• We accept engineering degrees in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Structural, Materials, Motorsport, Mechatronics, Engine Systems and Welding. Our preference is that your degree is also accredited by the relevant institution.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, which means 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) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Mechanical Engineering graduate programme for Autumn 2026 are available in Bristol.

At our Bristol office, you’ll join teams focused on ensuring the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet remains safe, efficient and at the cutting edge of technology. You could get involved in a variety of exciting projects, including system performance modelling and analyses, maintenance optimisations, engineering investigations, future submarines support, waterfront production and manufacture, researching new technologies and more. With a strong focus on digital transformation and advanced engineering, this is a great place to explore nuclear engineering and emerging technology.

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 flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.

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 strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.