Senior Metallurgy and Materials Engineer

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Location:

Devonport, Plymouth, GB, PL1 4SG

Onsite or Hybrid:
On Site

Applies Engineering concepts and theories to deliver the development designs, calculations and technical solutions across a range of applications for Babcock products and services across the Engineering Product Lifecycle. An experienced Engineer, directly accountable for designs, calculations and technical solutions. Able to work under own initiative to produce high quality outputs. Capable of managing others and or delivery of engineering and technical activities, through the application of process, domain knowledge and experience.

Can apply a wider range of knowledge to complex situations. Provides mentoring to others

Job Title:
Senior Metallurgy and Materials Engineer

Compensation:
From £44,600 Depending on Experience + Benefits

Role Type:
Full time / Permanent

Role

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 Senior Materials Engineer at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As a Senior Metallurgy and Materials Engineer, you’ll join our specialist Metallurgy & Materials team, where you will provide critical technical expertise to support the safety, performance, and availability of the Royal Navy's fleet and supporting assets. This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced materials engineering knowledge in both laboratory and operational environments, investigate complex engineering challenges, and deliver solutions that directly impact national defence.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll lead specialist testing, analysis, and failure investigations to ensure the integrity and reliability of safety-critical components and systems. In return, you'll be exposed to unique defence programmes, innovative technologies, and ongoing opportunities for professional development within one of the UK's leading engineering organisations.

• Conduct materials testing, metallurgical analysis, and engineering evaluations to assess component integrity, performance, and compliance.
• Lead material failure investigations, root cause analysis, and on-site inspections, implementing corrective actions for corrosion and degradation issues.
• Provide specialist advice on material selection, fabrication, heat treatment, and engineering best practice to optimise safety and performance.
• Manage routine and specialist testing programmes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on safety-critical projects and customer requirements.
• Support quality assurance through supplier audits, process approvals, standards compliance, method development, and mentoring staff within a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

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

Essential experience of the Senior Metallurgy and Materials Engineer

• Experience in a UKAS-accredited laboratory performing mechanical testing, metallography, weld evaluation, and certification review to international standards.
• Proven expertise in materials science/metallurgical engineering, including corrosion inspection, survey, and rectification, ideally within nuclear reactor systems.
• Experience authoring and reviewing test methods, technical documentation, and engineering reports.
• Strong understanding of safety legislation, digital engineering tools, data analysis, and image processing techniques.
• Defence sector experience, with excellent communication, collaborative working, and a commitment to continuous improvement and problem-solving.

Qualifications for the Senior Metallurgy and Materials Engineer

• Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related engineering discipline.
• Nuclear Standards Inspection and Component Staining Categorisation course would be highly beneficial.
• Nuclear Plant Foundation (Module
  1) course would be highly beneficial.
• Membership of a relevant professional institution is desirable.
• Eligibility for professional registration with the UK Engineering Council at Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer level is preferred.

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