Electronic and Communications Engineering Graduate Programme
Programme title: Electronic and Communications Engineering Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: We offer placements in a variety of locations, including Bristol, Plymouth, Ashchurch, Hawthorn and Oakhanger in England.
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74498
What will you do on the programme?
Electronic and Communications Engineering at Babcock is about much more than circuits and code – it’s about designing and delivering the systems that protect nations and connect communities. Whether it’s supporting space-based operations through our SKYNET contract or advancing embedded technologies for defence, your work will make a real-world impact.
As a graduate, you’ll help develop secure communication systems for remote and challenging environments. This could involve integrating commercial platforms with specialist technologies to ensure reliable connectivity – supporting everything from defence missions to humanitarian operations.
You'll join a supportive team of supportive team of curious, forward-thinking engineers who thrive on solving complex, meaningful challenges. With expert guidance and opportunities to grow, you’ll be encouraged to contribute, collaborate and help shape the future of secure communications.
How is the programme structured?
This is a two-year programme built around a series of varied placements within our Mission Technologies business. Each rotation is designed to give you fresh perspectives, practical experience and insight into how different parts of the business work together.
Through your placements, you’ll explore different areas of the organisation and gradually take on more responsibility – from contributing to key projects to leading small initiatives. You’ll gain exposure to a broad mix of technologies and challenges, helping you build a diverse skill set and discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Every step of the way, you’ll be supported to grow your technical expertise and confidence – setting you up for a successful future with us.
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 provide 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?
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You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, or MSc in one of the following subjects: Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, or Computer Science.
- 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), Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) security 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 Electronic and Communications Engineering programme for September 2027 are available in our Mission Technologies business.
Babcock’s Mission Technologies business 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, Plymouth, Ashchurch, Hawthorn, or Oakhanger, you’ll play a key role in developing and delivering advanced communications systems, electronic warfare technologies, and satellite operations that support national defence.
While you’ll join a specific business area and location, placements at different sites across the UK are possible. We encourage flexibility and openness to relocation throughout the programme and will consider your personal circumstances when arranging placements.
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.