Navy Command - Design Engineer (Lifting and Mechanical Services)

Job summary

At Navy Command, we lead, support, and sustain the Royal Navy across every theatre of operations. We coordinate the people, platforms, and missions that keep the Fleet ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we uphold centuries of naval tradition while driving innovation that ensures the Royal Navy’s readiness to protect our nation and secure our future.

As the authority for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine capability, the Submarine Directorate oversees one of the most complex and critical elements of UK defence. Covering everything from in‑service management to long‑term fleet modernisation, the directorate ensures the Submarine Flotilla remains safe, reliable, and ready to meet national security requirements.

You'll be based at HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe and a powerhouse of Royal Navy capability. It is home to amphibious ships, survey squadrons, submarines, and two-thirds of the frigate force. With its unique nuclear refitting facility, Devonport ensures the Fleet remains ready to support operations worldwide.

In addition to the salary this post attracts the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £6000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and is dependent on a candidate's ability to successfully demonstrate and evidence their competence, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Lifting and Mechanical Services team, supporting the safe and effective management of Nuclear Safety Implicated (NSI) assets within a highly regulated environment.

The role offers the chance to contribute to major infrastructure projects, support nuclear safety governance, maintain critical technical records, and play an active role in emergency response arrangements, making a direct contribution to the safe operation and continuous improvement of essential site facilities.

What you'll be doing:

• Support Senior Design Engineer (Lifting) to provide assurance to the Engineering Head and Facility Operators that design intent for nominated NSI assets is met and maintained through life to support relevant Facility Safety Cases, Safety Functional Requirements/Functional Requirements, Operating Rules, Identified Operating Instructions, claims, arguments and evidence by:
• Supporting maintenance and update of Job Plans to support Examination, Inspection, Maintenance, Testing (EIMT) on NSI assets and infrastructure. Providing support to development of EIMT schedules and Engineering Schedules, in conjunction with the Maintenance and Governance Manager (MGM).
• Support drafting/updating relevant Design Substantiation Reports (DSRs) and Design Reports for Lifting and other Mechanical Services.
• Gathering evidence around the initial and remaining lifespan of NSI assets to support credible through life decisions to appropriately manage ageing, degradation, and obsolescence effects.
• Gathering evidence to enable the Design Manager to identify upgrade or replacement requirements with consideration of cost, timescales and safety case/Facility Operator requirements.
• Supporting the Concessions and Design Change process on NSI assets and infrastructure to ensure that claims, arguments and evidence made in the Facility Safety Cases are not undermined.
• Understand and contribute to Nuclear Design Authority managed committees, including acting as technical secretary where appropriate.
• Support the production and upkeep of a Design Authority documentation suite.
• Nuclear Emergency Response Organisation Responsibilities – supporting site emergency response as a member of a cell.
• Provide support to other nuclear and non-nuclear tasks and projects.
• Provide support to apprentices and Development Posts.
• Complete learning/qualifications as directed by your line management, including gaining experience within other areas of Design Authority/wider business.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following criteria:

Professional/External Qualifications

Qualification:

• Hold a level 4 qualification (or higher) in an Engineering or Science discipline, OR have the equivalent relevant experience.

Memberships

Post-joining Essential:

• Membership of an Engineering Institution.

Learning and Development

Desirable:

• At least 1 year of Devonport Naval Base site familiarity and knowledge, or similar industry level such as in a high hazard industry or marine environment.

Post Joining Essential:

• Attend the Local Emergency Procedures Course (LEPC).
• Completion of the Nuclear Introduction Course (NIC)
• Auditor training.
• Project Management training (e.g. APM PMQ).
• Working Towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) level or equivalent.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

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

• Engineering Competency 4.1 – Delivering Support

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 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).

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service

• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%

• Personal & professional development

• Alternative working patterns for many roles

• Access to a confidential, professional support service

• Discount schemes

• Bicycle / season-ticket loans

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days a year)

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you’ll be supported through your learning journey and your career. This can include working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

You’ll have access to a variety of qualifications pathways ranging from GCSE/A-Level equivalent all the way up to master’s degree, depending on your role, your previous skills and your experience. Some qualifications even include “on-the-job” training which means minimal disruption to your working day but maximum impact

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any q