Typhoon Trials Analyst - 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron

Job summary

41 Test and Evaluation Squadron (41 TES) is responsible for the evaluation of weapons, sensors and associated systems on the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Our work ensures the effectiveness of the platform and enables the delivery of new capabilities for use on military operations, whether air policing in the Baltics, close air support in the Middle East, Quick Reaction Alert of UK airspace or preparation for high end modern warfare.

We are currently in need of an additional junior analyst to join the unit’s operational analysis team, providing scientific and technical support to the evaluation of Typhoon’s weapons, sensors and mission systems.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

41 TES is based at RAF Coningsby and operates a fleet of 6 Typhoon aircraft with a compliment of test pilots, trial managers, operational analysts, engineers and support staff. The operational analyst team at 41 TES consists of up to 10 civil servants from the wider Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) Operational Research Branch (ORB). As an integral part of 41 TES business the team ensures that all evaluation activities are planned in accordance with good scientific practice, collect the required data and analyse the results using appropriate graphical, statistical and engineering techniques.

Successful applicants will develop their technical knowledge of the Typhoon platform and use it to interpret the vast quantities of data generated from simulation, ground, and airborne test events. Reporting to one of our technical leads for weapons or mission systems, you will begin by conducting discrete packages of analysis then developing your skills to define the requirements of data collection before leading your own complex evaluations of specific weapon, sensors or mission systems.

Success in the role will see you acting as the Trial Scientific Officer (TSO) for new and emerging capabilities. Working effectively with our pilots and trial managers together with leading engineers from industry, your work will be conducted primarily from RAF Coningsby, but also detached to various test facilities located in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Typical duties include:

• Research and self-learning to develop an understanding of combat air related technologies.
• Preparation of trial aim and objectives. Assisting with the development of test points, test profiles andprocedures.
• Determining data requirements and monitoring data collection, reduction and processing.
• Applying suitable mathematical and/or engineering data analysis techniques.
• Presentation of results through technical reports and briefing material.
• Development of software toolsets for the processing and analysis of fast jet test data.
• Support future capability development, including tactical development.

With experience there will also be the opportunity to mentor/manage placement students and graduate trainees.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

• A scientific and/or engineering background with a particular interest in Defence/Combat Air related technologies.
• An analytical mindset with the ability to learn a variety of analytical techniques to convert raw data into information/insight.
• The ability to solve technical problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Coding skills for toolset/software development (ability to develop the skills to work within our predominately MATLAB coding environment)
• The flexibility to rapidly adapt to changes in the work that is carried out day-to-day and efficiently gain knowledge in new and unfamiliar technological areas.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, including technical writing and the delivery of technical presentations/briefs.

Our team currently includes Aerospace Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Mathematicians and Physicists.

Specific job related training will be provided making use of formal Defence/RAF courses, self-directed research, mentoring from senior members of the team and close supervision through your initial tasks.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Government Science and Engineering - Building and applying knowledge – Applying knowledge
• Government Science and Engineering - Building and applying knowledge – Designing systems and solutions
• Government Science and Engineering - Communicating science and engineering for government –Providing and handling evidence
• Government Operational Research - Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques

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

• Government Science and Engineering - Building and applying knowledge – Applying knowledge
• Government Science and Engineering - Building and applying knowledge – Designing systems and solutions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 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%
• Free onsite gym (in your building) plus subsidised membership to a larger fitness suite and lunchtime/evening Military led fitness classes.
• Access to a thriving community of sports and hobby clubs on a busy RAF base.
• Free car parking.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contra