Transversal Systems Engineering Graduate Programme
Programme title: Transversal Systems Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Bristol (Babcock Technology Centre and Ashton House) or Hawthorn in Wiltshire
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 75255
What will you do on the programme?
On the Transversal Systems Engineering Graduate Programme, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to some of the UK's most mission-critical engineering projects and programmes.
You'll work across specialist disciplines that help shape how complex systems are designed, delivered and supported. Unlike traditional Systems Engineering roles, which focus on requirements, architecture, design and integration of specific systems, Transversal Systems Engineering focuses on the cross-cutting disciplines that work across projects and programmes to help ensure systems are safe, supportable and effective throughout their operational life.
Through areas such as Integrated Product Support, Human Factors, Safety and Security, you'll gain an understanding of how engineering decisions influence system performance, operational capability and through-life support. At the same time, you'll develop a broad understanding of Systems Engineering, including how requirements are identified, architectures and designs are developed, systems are integrated, and solutions are delivered to meet customer and operational needs.
Working across a variety of projects and programmes within Babcock, from communication systems to warship design and build, you'll collaborate with engineers, customers and project teams to understand how these disciplines come together to deliver successful engineering solutions.
Along the way, you'll take on real responsibility, supporting live projects, exploring emerging technologies and helping solve complex engineering challenges. By the end of the programme, you'll have developed the knowledge, skills and systems-thinking mindset needed to work across engineering disciplines and support the delivery of complex projects and programmes.
How is the programme structured?
In your first year, you’ll rotate through placements across engineering disciplines such as Human Factors, Integrated Product Support, Product Security, Safety and Systems.
This will give you the opportunity to explore a variety of projects and areas while building a broad understanding of how the business operates. Some rotations may also take you to different locations, helping you expand your professional network and gain varied experience.
In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to focus your placements on a preferred discipline within the engineering lifecycle, aligned with your interests and career goals. As you progress, you’ll take on increasing responsibility, including leading small workstreams and supporting project delivery.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored 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’s waiting for you after the programme?
Once you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Engineering function, where you can continue applying and expanding the skills you’ve developed. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.
As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.
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
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible 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?
- You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a degree (minimum 2:2) in a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
- Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
- Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Transversal Systems Engineering Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in our Mission Technologies team in Bristol (Babcock Technology Centre and Ashton House) or at our Hawthorn site in Wiltshire. We offer agile working, giving you some flexibility, but you can expect to spend several days a week on-site as part of your role and development.
Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in your initial location, so it’s important to consider this when applying.
Babcock’s Mission Technologies team is a world leader in delivering strategic communications products and solutions, with our services found on platforms from submarines to satellites.
At our sites in Bristol or Hawthorn in Wiltshire you’ll play a key role in developing and delivering advanced communications systems, electronic warfare technologies, and satellite operations that support national defence.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
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.
