DNO Warhead - Engineer

at  Ministry of Defence

JOB SUMMARY

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all Defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.
Within DNO, the Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.
The Warhead Directorate has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post can be based in Bristol or Reading with regular travel between sites.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Future Capability team within DNO Transport, are responsible for the development and delivery of a new, safe and secure transport capability and related equipment projects for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The team are now looking for an Engineer, a new post to support the Engineering Manager in delivering a capability from concept design through to delivery into service.
This is a stimulating post within a strong and supportive team where you will be involved in a really interesting programme which will develop your engineering skills through practical experience and relevant training development opportunities.
We seek a disciplined and enthusiastic self-starter to join the team and develop this new role, with opportunities to progress your career across the Engineering profession and the broader Defence Nuclear Organisation.
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds who believe they have enough relevant experience, with the drive to develop their engineering skills, and interest in playing a significant role in shaping and executing the Future Capability team’s long-term ambitions.
Please note that a full driving licence will be required to enable travel between sites.
The team is supportive of hybrid working; however, the role will require frequent site access to attend meetings and access IT systems.
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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a HNC (ie. Level 4) qualification in a relevant Engineering/Science subject or have demonstrable equivalent experience.

SKILLS

• Two years’ experience in an Engineering or technical role.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Membership of an appropriate Engineering Institute.
• Batchelors Degree in an Engineering field.
• Defence Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives Awareness Training.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Experience of design, development, manufacture, or in-service maintenance of vehicle or container systems for explosives and/or nuclear material in a Defence setting.
• Good experience of working in a nuclear or high hazard environment.
• Experience of delivering MOD projects through CADMID cycle.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

• INCOSE UK SE2.6 – Systems Design – Interface Management

Benefits
Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:

• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years’ service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• Some of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more.

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, 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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this 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.
Things you need to know

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS - FURTHER INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

Open to UK nationals only.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Once established and developed within the role, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting requirements and interface management for future projects. This will involve working with stakeholders ranging from end users to regulators to identify and capture requirements and interfaces with the system.
• Supporting and planning for approval, classification, and acceptance of the future system with the competent authority, regulatory community, and approving authority. This includes supporting the development of relevant technical submissions and managing the supply and delivery of required evidence.
• Developing technical subject matter expertise to allow you to act as the intelligent customer and support both the project team and the wider Transport Team.
• Aiding and supporting the system design and integration through the programme lifecycle.

This exciting new role offers opportunities to be directly engaged with design, development, manufacture, and demonstration of capabilities.
As part of your learning and development, there are opportunities to be involved in emergency planning and operations training to understand the role that the wider Transport team plays within the Nuclear Enterprise.
Along with this, attainment of formal qualifications relevant to the role and wider Defence Acquisition would be supported and encouraged.
It is also important to note that due to the nature of the work you will need to be a UK national and achieve Developed Vetting security clearance prior to commencing the role.