Principal Safety Engineer reference: 1217653401

Review: Principal Safety Engineer - Shape the Future of Defence Safety at Babcock

Babcock International is presenting a compelling opportunity for a seasoned Principal Safety Engineer to join their team at the Devonport site in Plymouth. This role offers a chance to significantly impact national security by ensuring the safety of critical nuclear and radiological facilities for the Royal Navy. If you are a highly experienced safety professional looking for a challenging and rewarding career move, this position warrants serious consideration.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Role: This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to national defence and security at a strategic level. You will be instrumental in maintaining the operational safety of vital naval assets.
• Specialised Expertise: The role provides a unique chance to develop deep expertise in submarine systems and reactor plant performance, particularly within the nuclear sector. This specialized knowledge is highly sought after and can significantly advance your career.
• Hybrid Working Flexibility: Babcock understands the importance of work-life balance. This position offers a hybrid working arrangement, with 3 days working from home and 2 days on-site, providing a great balance between focused work and collaboration.
• Career Development and Benefits: Babcock offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous holiday allowance, a matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance, access to a Digital GP, an employee share scheme, and professional fee payments. They also emphasize excellent development opportunities and employee wellbeing support.
• Strategic Contribution: As a Principal Safety Engineer, you will not only advise on current safety protocols but also contribute to the long-term transformation of Devonport Dockyard, allowing you to influence future infrastructure and operations.
• Leadership and Growth: The role requires strong leadership capabilities and strategic thinking, offering excellent opportunities to hone these skills and mentor others within the safety engineering domain.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Security Clearance: A significant requirement for this role is the ability to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Candidates should be aware of the implications of UK national security vetting processes, which may be influenced by factors such as place of birth, nationality, and residency history.
• Nuclear and Submarine Experience: While experience within the nuclear sector and knowledge of submarine systems are listed as advantageous, candidates without direct experience in these specific areas but with strong general safety engineering backgrounds and leadership skills may still be considered. However, a willingness and ability to quickly acquire this specialized knowledge will be crucial.
• Educational and Professional Requirements: A Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline and Chartered Engineer status are essential qualifications. Candidates must meet these criteria to be considered for this advanced role.
• Location: The role is based in Plymouth, Devon. While hybrid working is offered, candidates should be prepared for regular on-site presence.

Career Path Guidance:

This Principal Safety Engineer position is ideal for professionals who have a solid foundation in safety engineering and are seeking to specialize within a critical national infrastructure sector. It provides a clear pathway to becoming a leading expert in defence safety. The emphasis on leadership and strategic thinking suggests potential for advancement into senior management or specialized consultancy roles within Babcock or the broader defence industry.

Candidates with a passion for safety, a strong analytical mind, and the ability to work with complex systems will find this role exceptionally fulfilling. The opportunity to contribute to a vital national asset, coupled with a supportive and comprehensive benefits package, makes this a highly attractive prospect for experienced safety engineers aiming to make a tangible difference.