Structural Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Structural Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Programme title: Structural Engineering Undergraduate Placement Year

Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol

Application closing date: 16 October 2025

Start date: September 2026

Role ID: 66873   

What you’ll be doing

Based at the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, you’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team delivering some of the UK’s most advanced naval engineering projects. This placement offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the structural integrity and safety of submarine platforms.

You’ll be based in the Structures team for the full year. Your work will include performing structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), designing and evaluating platform structures for explosive shock survivability, and conducting platform surveys and validation exercises at Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base Clyde. Your responsibilities will also include supporting technical investigations, feasibility studies, and engineering trials, as well as managing structural defects and safety certifications. You’ll play a role in future platform projects and capability upgrades that enhance operational performance.

Throughout the year, you’ll gain practical experience with industry-standard software such as Ansys, MathCAD, and AutoCAD. You’ll also build a solid foundation in platform structures, including pressure hull collapse theory and engineering standards. To support your development, you’ll receive tailored mentorship and one-to-one guidance from experienced professionals who are committed to helping you grow.

What you’ll get out of it

Our placements are about more than work experience – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you apart in your future career. You’ll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way.

We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what’s right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme – your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.

What you’ll need

• You must be entering your final year of a degree in one of the following disciplines: Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ship & Offshore Structures, Physics, Material Science, or any STEM-based BEng or MEng.
• 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) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.   

Application process and closing dates

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.