Graduate Acoustician

Job summary

The Noise and Vibration Division (NVD) at the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine (CAM) delivers expert scientific support across the RAF and wider MOD on all acoustics-related matters. Our work spans conducting occupational noise and vibration surveys, modelling environmental noise, analysing complex data, producing detailed reports, and delivering specialist training. We play a crucial role in safeguarding personnel health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This dynamic and varied position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to key MOD objectives – and that’s where you come in.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Hybrid-working is supported, depending on the business need.

Job description

We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our close-knit team, supporting and delivering two key areas of work:

1. Occupational Noise and Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) Assessments – You will be part of a survey team evaluating aircrew exposure during flight and groundcrew exposure during aircraft maintenance. This vital work focuses on identifying and mitigating risks related to Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), tinnitus, and other hearing impairments.
2. Military Aviation Noise Contour (MANC) Production – Using specialist software, you will map environmental noise contours and assess the acoustic impact of aviation activities on local communities. These projects ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and support Environmental Impact Assessments and planning decisions.

Beyond these core responsibilities, you will provide expert advice on a range of acoustics topics (including building acoustics) and support education by teaching and presenting on MOD courses. The Graduate Acoustician also plays a key role in equipment management, calibration and support.

The position may occasionally require short periods away from home (up to three weeks, with return visits at weekends). While most travel will be within the UK, there may also be opportunities for overseas visits.

Person specification

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related degree
• Demonstrate a keen interest in acoustics
• Possess strong scientific knowledge
• Exhibit excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrate an ability to prioritise tasks
• Hold a full UK category B driver's licence as travel is required.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be organised, diligent, adaptable to a busy work environment, and able to collaborate seamlessly within a dynamic team. Previous experience in data analysis is desirable.

Licences

Full UK category B driver's licence.

Qualifications

Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related degree.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• Applying knowledge
• Regulatory knowledge

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, 8 bank holidays and 1 Civil Service privilege day per year
• 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 average employer contribution of 28.97%
• 6 days special leave per year to be used for volunteering activities
• Free on-site parking
• Access to excellent on-site gym facilities
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave

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 questions about working arrangements.

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 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, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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 iden