Estimator

Job Title:                      Estimator

Location:                      Plymouth, Devon + Hybrid Working Arrangements

Compensation:            £39,607.00 + Benefits

Role Type:                    Full time / Permanent

Role ID:                        SF70862

Help power the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet with precision cost estimating

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 Estimator at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.

The role

As an Estimator, you’ll turn complex engineering data into clear, dependable cost estimates that shape bids, enable delivery and keep critical defence assets available for the nation. You’ll collaborate with Engineers, Project Managers and customers across submarine maintenance, repair and overhaul projects - work that advances your skills, grows your career and contributes to national security.

Day-to-day, you’ll compile detailed cost estimates in support of submarine platform maintenance, repair and overhaul projects.

• Build robust labour and cost estimates from work specifications, engineering drawings and site visits in support of bids and in‑project changes.


• Engage with internal teams and customers to validate assumptions, scope and methodology so estimates meet the project need.


• Ensure all estimates comply with relevant regulations, standards and governance.


• Analyse data to produce timely cost insight that supports project reporting and decision‑making.


• Support project managers throughout the lifecycle with updates, forecasts and what‑if scenarios.

This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 2 days in the office/onsite and 3 days working from home.

Essential experience of the Estimator

• Demonstrable experience in cost estimating, cost/data analysis and cost assurance within engineering or complex projects.


• Ability to interpret engineering specifications and technical drawings.


• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Teams.


• A sound understanding of the project environment and controls.


• Clear, confident communicator with a flexible, growth mindset.

Qualifications for the Estimator

Preferred but not essential:

• Two or more A‑Levels (or equivalent) in a STEM subject; or relevant production/engineering/estimating experience.


• APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) or experience working in a project environment.


• Experience in the marine, maintenance, or defence sector.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) / Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance


• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance


• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+


• Employee share scheme


• Employee shopping savings portal


• Payment of Professional Fees


• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave


• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement. This Window opens February through to March annually.


• ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity


• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock  has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [email protected] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. 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.

Closing date: 03/02/2026

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