DNO - Warhead WSM Configuration and Approvals Manager

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.
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 Aldermaston, Bristol or London.
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 The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.
This Position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To ensure the continuous availability of a safe and secure warhead stockpile, the Warhead Stockpile Management (WSM) team directly ensures the safety, performance, and availability of the UK’s Nuclear Warhead.
The post available is situated within the Deputy Chief Engineer’s area, a central and critical function, with responsibility for providing technical guidance, assessment, and support to all other elements of WSM, to ensure a safe, effective (performing) and resilient organisation.
Following on-boarding and training, the successful candidate will contribute to a diverse range of tasks including: the setting of engineering standards; the maintenance of the warhead design intent; and for assuring compliance with systems engineering processes.
DNO WHD-WSM Configuration and Approvals Manager is an integral part of the Warhead Stockpile Management Team, and has responsibility for ensuring the cost effective, efficient and safe delivery of the in-service Trident nuclear warhead programme in accordance with acquisition principles, DNO Customer Supplier Agreements and MoD standards and regulations.

The job includes:

• Technical ownership of the nuclear warhead approval process; including the production, approval, distribution, configuration management and recording of nuclear weapon approvals to support the long-term use of in-service nuclear warheads.
• Technical review of the nuclear weapon modifications, providing technical justifications to the Nuclear Weapon Approving Authority (NWAA) regarding approval and rejection.
• Provide the technical secretariat function for the NWAA Approvals governance and committees including maintenance of the relevant engineering governance arrangements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• HNC/HND in a STEM discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two years engineering experience, preferably within a nuclear or high hazard environment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree or equivalent in a STEM discipline.
• Experience working in the nuclear weapons programme with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases.
• Experience with technical writing.
  Candidates are not expected to meet all of the desirable criteria. The available role will provide opportunities to develop specialist nuclear and safety skills and an understanding of the UK and Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
  As such, candidates are expected to be proactive towards their own personal development and capable of demonstrating initiative.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

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

• Nuclear 4.2: Nuclear Weapon Systems and Components Concept, Assessment, Design for Modifications and Life Extensions

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, rising 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.
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.
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.
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.

Engineering
Science