PWR Defuel Lead Structural 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 strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put our values at the heart of our recruitment process. 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 HMNB Devonport, Plymouth Devon, PL2 2BG.

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

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

This post attracts the NSQEP recruitment retention allowance of up to £6,000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and is dependent on a candidates ability to successfully demonstrate and evidence their competence, qualifications and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

Job description

The Submarine Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) Defuel Lead Structural Engineer is accountable to the PWR Defuel Chief Engineer for assisting in all Engineering management aspects of the PWR Defuel Execution Project and the wider PWR Defuel Programme with a specific focus of structural engineering and the Defuel preparation package across multiple Trafalgar and Swiftsure class platforms.

The PWR Defuel team is tasked with the safe removal of spent Nuclear fuel from Submarines at the end of their operational life. Accountable to the Disposals Team leader the PWR Defuel team forms part of the wider Submarine Disposal organisation tasked with the storage and disposal of Nuclear Submarines.
The principal objective is to independently manage the delivery of the Design Authority’s Requirement for pre-defuel project engineering activities, in dock structural & mechanical work packages and post defuel engineering activities to ensure that the Submarine is restored to a safe and satisfactory state ready for dismantling.

Key Responsibilities

• Make independent decisions within their delegated authority to safely deliver engineering management activities.
• Act as the Intelligent Customer to our Intelligent Contractor (Babcock), for all Engineering matters. Engage project stakeholders for Engineering aspects of the disposal programme.
• Plan, enable and execute Engineering activities for Submarine Disposal projects, providing oversight, technical input and Engineering scrutiny.
• Management, provision of technical advice and scrutiny of Industry Providers (IP).
• Assurance to the Defuel Chief Engineer that Engineering activities are planned and completed in a safe, efficient and effective manner, whilst providing value for money to the taxpayer.
• Sustain Structural Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) by educating and informing others.
• Delivery Manager for Engineering personnel in the team & contracted staff.
• Provide support and challenge associated Projects by providing peer review of reports/papers; Contributing to design/safety reviews and Project reviews.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by the SDA Recruitment Team. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [email removed]

Person specification

The post holder is responsible for assuring structural aspects of the submarine, overseeing structural engineering works and generating novel & innovative workstreams on structural elements of the work package to improve the programme. The post acts as the customers lead for multiple boat preparation packages for the Defuel programme. Multi tasking across different platforms as different stages of the work package and being physically present onboard the submarines in the basin is day to day business. Strong intelligent customer and supplier collaborative working skills are essential along with leadership and conflict management skills.

For this role, we are seeking the following essential criteria:

• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering Institute or equivalent body
• IEng or CEng or equivalent. If not currently held then must able to achieve within 9 months in post.
• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• 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.
• Demonstrate awareness of the challenges of maintaining Submarines
• Knowledge of the nuclear regulatory framework & safety cases
• The assignment will require the applicant to physically access Nuclear Submarines via ladders and access hatches, including confined spaces, to undertake inspections, surveys & assurance activities. Access to Nuclear Facilities and Controlled Radiological areas will also be required upon completion of necessary training.
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful submarine structures outcomes.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in submarine structures with knowledge and application of Systems Engineering approaches.

Memberships

Member of a relevant Professional Engineering Institute or equivalent body

Evidence of the Qualification/Licence/Membership will be required at interview.

Behaviours

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

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together
• Leadership

Technical skills

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