Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) - Professional Engineer

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At the SDA, we believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The primary delivery location for this position is Bristol Abbey Wood.

Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.

Job description

The SDA has two great opportunities available. Candidates will apply and be interviewed for both roles in conjunction. If you have a preference for either role, please ensure you make this known at interview.

Role 1: Dreadnought Crew Training Engineer

The Training Team, part of the wider Submarine Support Team, have the specific responsibility for generating the Dreadnought Crew Training Solution for Royal Navy personnel, encompassing both Courseware and Media development and Equipment Procurement of associated Training Devices. HMS Dreadnought is the First of Class and is due to be ready for operations by December 2030. Three other submarines of this class are due after 2030.
The post holder will be responsible for managing the Training Design contracts, comprising of a bespoke First of Class Interim Training Solution and the generation of the Courseware and Media including equipment procurement for the Steady State Training Solution.

Role 2: VACAS Engineer

The Vanguard and Astute Class Availability & Sustainment programme (VACAS) is intended to direct, coordinate and oversee the implementation of Engineering activities required to achieve life extensions of Vanguard and Astute class Submarines until they are replaced. The successful applicant will be a specialist Engineering for this project working with Industrial Partners, Navy Command and reporting to the VACAS Engineering Manager. The project delivers into the in-service Design Authorities to embed the Engineering required to permit life extensions whilst demonstrating platforms remain safe, available, capable and sustainable. This role would suit an Engineer who wishes to grow their knowledge and experience of complex system integration projects.

The roles will report directly to our Lead Engineers. The post holders shall be required to undertake and support the management and delivery of all Engineering activity for their project(s). This shall include the generation of business cases, requirements documents, assurance and stakeholder engagement, setting up and assuring contract deliverables and overseeing technical risk to determine and support safety ALARP assessments.

The post holders shall produce weekly and monthly internal reports to assist with financial planning and technical governance.

Both roles are demanding, given the challenges that face the programmes, but each is deeply rewarding; it is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high performing team within one of the premium defence programmes and is a once in a generation opportunity.

The posts are reserved posts, open to UK nationals only.

Both roles may require occasional travel with overnight stays.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for these posts, but regular workplace attendance (60% in office) is necessary due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

To be successful in an application, candidates must demonstrate that they meet the following Essential Criteria:

• Ability to interpret and challenge data
• Have extensive experience of working with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrate awareness of the bigger picture and its impact on the workforce
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong team working skills and a collaborative approach.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or relevant professional registration
• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering body
• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with a broad understanding of the interdependencies between your work and related systems.

Qualifications

Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.
Please answer 'yes' if equivalent experience.

Memberships

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or relevant professional registration or equivalent
Member of a relevant Professional Engineering body

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Practitioner
• EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,789 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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