Alex joined Babcock in 2020 as a graduate. Based in Adelaide, Alex is now a Senior Mechanical Engineer in our Engineering, Technology and Program Management (ETaP) team.
We sat down with Alex to find out about his career path at Babcock.
How does your team contribute to our purpose of ‘Creating a safe and secure world, together’? What is your role in this?
The team I’m currently working with is undertaking a cutting-edge research and development project that aims to make an existing process far safer and more flexible for the customer.
My involvement has been on the deep theoretical side of the project; developing mathematical models in various programs like Matlab/Simulink and the Ansys software suite to optimise the design of our product.
We’ve created prototypes and tested them, using relevant data collection methods. We have then post-processed and analysed the results to validate the models and improve them where required.
Why did you choose to join Babcock?
Following an undergraduate work placement in the wine industry, I undertook an internship through the Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP). I found the defence industry interesting and joined Babcock straight out of university.
The work Babcock does is important and this was another major reason I wanted to be involved.
My graduate placement was entirely within the Collins program, rotating across different sub-teams including delivery, quality and engineering. This gave me a strong understanding of the end-to-end process within the Collins program. I then transitioned into a Level 1 Engineering role.
I applied to become a permanent member of the Collins team, where there were opportunities to work in the UK for a period, gaining exposure to Babcock’s broader business. I was also interested in learning more about the engineering process for the Submarine Weapons Discharge System design.
What are the most enjoyable and/or interesting aspects of your job?
The most enjoyable aspect of my role is working in largely uncharted territory, both for myself and within the Australasian business. It gives me the opportunity to continuously learn and grow, with each day bringing new challenges and insights.
I also find it rewarding to develop new capabilities that can be applied across multiple projects, both locally and more broadly within Babcock. These developments not only strengthen our internal expertise but also provide valuable ways to support our customers, helping them assess feasibility and explore effective solutions to the challenges they face.
What is your proudest moment since joining Babcock?
My proudest moment at Babcock was being part of the team to support two full maintenance cycles (Full Cycle Dockings) for two Collins Class submarines during my time in the Collins program. It is rewarding to know that the work we undertake on a day-to-day basis supports ASC and the Royal Australian Navy to maintain sovereign capability.
What makes Babcock a good place to work?
Babcock is a great place to work because there is a strong culture of support, with people genuinely invested in each other’s success. I’ve consistently received encouragement from both my immediate team and colleagues across the business to pursue learning and development opportunities.
Babcock also fosters flexible and agile working, which enables a healthy work-life balance and allows me to stay engaged in my personal interests while being present for family and friends and still meeting the requirements and objectives of my role.
What advice would you give to someone looking to develop their career in engineering?
Never turn down a task; you never know where it will take you. Some of my best career opportunities have been due to taking on what I thought would be a minor or trivial task, that then led into further work and responsibility.
I’ve also learned to not underestimate my own perspective; just because I may be the least experienced person in the room doesn’t mean I can’t add value. Sometimes all that is needed is a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective to solve a problem.
Learn more about a career with Babcock
At Babcock, you’ll be part of something bigger with opportunity across Babcock’s global reach of diverse and innovative programs. With an engineering career at Babcock you have the opportunity to work across a diverse range of programs and projects:
- Design, modify and maintain naval ships
- Design, build and maintain ship and submarine systems
- Develop advanced communication and surveillance systems
- Modify and maintain aircraft
- Develop and maintain systems for future soldiers.
Read more on our Engineering Careers page.
Our Early Careers Program provides a range of pathways to help launch your career, gain first-hand experience and develop the knowledge and skills that can open up a world of opportunities. Read more on our Early Careers page or visit us at an upcoming careers event.
