DNO - Warhead Nuclear Weapon Modifications Engineering Opportunities

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?
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.
The Warhead Directorate has staff based in MoD Main Building, MoD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (HMNB(C)) (Scotland). The posts in this advert will based in either the Aldermaston or Abbey Wood sites, however regular travel across locations will be required.
These posts are 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 The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Warhead Stockpile Management (WSM) team has the responsibility to maintain safe, effective and available in-service Nuclear Warheads in the support of the UK Strategic Deterrent and the maintenance of Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD).
Across the team, we rely on Engineers to ensure that the MoD remains an intelligent Customer in all that we do, that equipment delivered is effectively integrated across the Nuclear Enterprise, and that support is provided to critical equipment capabilities to ensure that the Mission is delivered.
With a variety of opportunities on offer, you could be delivering outputs that range from the acquisition of new operational equipment, managing the baseline of approved equipment and activities, support the DNO in sustaining our US interfaces, assessing Nuclear Weapon design changes or anything in between. Regardless of the role, we need people who recognise the importance of their work in the bigger picture, can use their engineering knowledge to set clear requirements and expectations, and will work collaboratively with their colleagues to ensure we meet those requirements.
Many technical disciplines are represented in the deterrent programme, so it is likely that your background is relevant, from mechanical engineering and applied science to systems engineering and configuration management. No Nuclear knowledge is necessary, but we are looking for Engineers with experience of delivery who are comfortable leading small team projects.
As one of the highest Defence priorities, we work alongside Civil Service, military, industry, and academic stakeholders at all levels of seniority, providing potential for excellent exposure and experience.

The Modifications Team requires one Design Approval manager to:

• Manage the baseline of product design and operational information;
• Capture and prioritise potential changes to equipment and processes;
• Guide the design development process with suppliers and stakeholders;
• Understand and manage interfaces to other equipment, processes, and organisations;
• Support the management of stakeholders and project delivery with the overall goal of demonstrating that any change maintains compliance with performance and safety requirements.

The Modifications Team also require one US Compatibility manager to:

• Support the management of design and operational compatibility
• Provide advice on US interests in design changes to stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle;
• Coordinate inputs into compatibility assessment processes;
• Manage US/UK compatibility interfaces, including support to US/UK meetings;
• Provide a compatibility focal point for the Warhead Directorate

As a C1/Senior Executive Officer (SEO) you will take responsibility to deliver specific technical tasks or projects as assigned by your Team Leader (G7).
As a technical representative, you will be expected to make robust and evidence-based decisions on the suitability and quality of deliverables both by the wider team and that of the supplier.
You will need to reach balanced judgements that account for both important technical details, and the wider programme context.
The Modifications Team have interactions across the DNO, Industry partners, with RNAD Coulport and with the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualification in this range of vacancies is a STEM-related Undergraduate Degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) with experience of engineering delivery.

BEHAVIOURS

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

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

Benefits
Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 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

Open to UK nationals only.

Successful candidates will, depending on the precise role, undertake activities including:

• Working with others to define and agree technical requirements and verification plans,
• Evaluating evidence from suppliers to ensure those requirements have been met,
• Making recommendations on the acceptability of suppliers’ outputs,
• Quantifying and communicating levels of risk to safety and product performance,
• Providing advice to Duty Holders and decision-makers across the organisation,
• Resolving science and engineering problems as part of diverse, multi-organisation teams,
• Ensuring compliance with Defence directives, regulations, and engineering standards,
• Consulting stakeholders to ensure that all technical aspects have been adequately addressed,
• Conducting reviews or audits of compliance with key processes and managing necessary corrective actions,
• Aiding effective project management by identifying risks and supporting planning/scheduling,
• Providing technical reporting and briefing to various customers