DE&S Propulsion Systems Integration Engineer

Job summary

At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes, and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe – for today, and tomorrow.

All applicants will need to meet US State Department eligibility criteria for accreditation, notably this bars dual US Nationals/Lawful Permanent Residents, has a minimum age of 20 years old, and has an expectation that you will not have held another accredited post in the USA within the 3 years prior to posting. U.S. Visa law does not recognise common-law relationships.

Where only a tourist Visa is given by USA immigration, we are unable to accept the partner as 'officially recognised' and the employee is classed as unaccompanied for the overseas tour. This is in line with the current policy which states that whilst we might recognise SOWER status, we are still bound by the host countries Visa requirements, and we can only support the partner if a full Visa is provided not a tourist Visa.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

The tour length is 3-years.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Looking for more than just a job? Step into a role where your work truly matters - join the world’s largest defence initiative and help shape the future, supporting and protecting the UK's interests.

The Lightning Delivery Team are responsible for the procurement and support of the UK’s F-35 Lightning aircraft, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter. The F-35 programme is the world’s largest single defence programme and we have a unique opportunity for the successful applicant to exert UK influence over the propulsion system within the F-35 enterprise, including the Rolls Royce Lift Fan system. Your work will have significant impact as you will be supporting the delivery of capability that front-line pilots across the international F-35 Lightning enterprise need to be lethal, survivable, and interoperable in even the most contested and dangerous operating environments.

The Propulsion Systems Integration Engineer provides engineering expertise across the full life cycle of the propulsion system to define, evaluate, and manage the physical and functional installation and integration of the propulsion systems (including the Lift Fan element). Integral to the F-35 is its single engine capability, particularly when paired with the lift fan system to facilitate short take-off and vertical landing for carrier operations. The Propulsion Systems Integration Engineer will be involved “on the ground floor” of emergent technical developments and provide the UK’s insight into issues, providing significant influence. As the key UK technical specialist for propulsion integration with the F-35 Joint Programme Office this role provides significant prospects for personal and professional development.

The Lightning Delivery Team brings together civilian and military personnel from a wide range of professions and locations. In this role, you will be part of the 38-member UK Cooperative Partner Personnel group, while also serving as an embedded engineer within the Propulsion Program Management Office—offering a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on this global program. The role will involve travel within the USA and international travel to the UK will also be required.

As this an overseas assignment the role is full time only and tour length of 3 years, with the successful applicant working out of the F-35 Joint Program Office headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, USA. Prior to moving overseas the successful applicant will initially take up the post in the UK for about a month, spending time in Bristol and at RAF Marham to prepare for the role and to gain a baseline understanding of the F-35 international program and UK Lightning Delivery Team processes. For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country.

Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you review the Selection Process Details and guidance on CV writing.

The Lightning Delivery Team operates under the Production, Sustainment, & Follow-on-Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Annex C of the MoU defines the need for Cooperative Program Participants (CPP) resourced from Partner Nations, to work within the Joint Program Office under the US Government. Those in Cooperative Program Participants roles work for the US Government, whilst maintaining UK MOD responsibilities and UK CPPs remain employees of the UK MOD under UK T&Cs.

Living in the Northern Virginia area.

Arlington, Virginia borders Washington DC and is home to museums such as the Smithsonian institutions, the National art galleries, and the National Mall, which contains the Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson memorials. Outside of work, living in this area provides great opportunities with many theatres and concert venues, a global food scene and throughout the year, DC hosts multiple festivals and parades, including Independence Day, Memorial Day, and the Latino festival.

Public transport is good, with the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) having an extensive bus and subway system (Metro) reaching out into the suburbs of Virginia and Maryland with a Metrorail station directly servicing Crystal City. New York is 3 hours by train and the region’s three airports provide an extensive choice of domestic and international flights.

The overall standard of living in the area is excellent and assistance is provided through a cost of living allowance (COLA) paid with salary. The amount of COLA allotted is dependent on family circumstances/size and accommodation and most utilities are provided at no cost to the post holder.

What you’ll be doing

• Evaluate the engineering aspects of technical proposals and specifications as they pertain to engine/airframe integration and submits formal evaluations and recommendations to engineering and program office leadership.
• Recommend policies and practices for the development and procurement of engine and power system interfaces.
• Originate, manage, and/or coordinate any formal systems engineering documentation related to the integration of engines into the air vehicle system, including Interface Control Documents, Risk Management Plan, etc.
• Review mass properties changes, tracking life cycle changes and their impact on the weapon system as a whole, reporting to Program Management Office leadership progress against requirements and margin goals.
• Providing support to Lightning Delivery Team Propulsion Integrity Working Groups through in-depth Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) data review and analysis and providing the Coordinating Design Organisation perspective.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at candidate@support.oleeo.com

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrable experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful Propulsion, Mechanical or Mechatronic outcomes
• Proven depth and breadth of expertise in Aerospace Propulsion Systems
• Professionally registered with either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
• Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics based qualification at RQF Level 4
• Strong interpersonal skills, with aptitude to build relationships and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders to communicate and influence direction and recommendations

Note: Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions (CSBC3)
• Core Behaviour 2: Seeing the Big Picture (CSBC3)
• Technical Competence 1: ECF 1.1 Suitable Systems Policy and Principles (Practitioner)
• Technical Competence 2: ECF 3.3 Technical Issues and Risk (Practitioner)

This position will require the successful candidate to undergo a period of training in the UK prior to taking up the overseas post.

Please ensure that you can travel to the required UK location prior to application. Relocation support will not be provided for the UK based training. Questions regarding the UK training requirement should be directed to the recruiting line manager using the contact information at the bottom of this advert.

Qualifications

Professionally registered with either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics based qualification at RQF Level 4

Evidence will be required at interview. All qualifications, licences or memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

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

• ECF 1.1 Suitable Systems Policy and Principles (Practitioner)
• ECF 3.3 Techncial Issues and Risk (Practitioner)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,442 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Discover My Benefits:

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of - and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles - Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code - Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Disability Confident:

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

This post offers full relocation allowances subject to availability. Cost of Living Overseas Allowances is payable based on personal circumstances and marital status.

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.

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 identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift - We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift - Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview - If you're invited to interview, you'll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1
• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2
• 3rd: Technical Competencies
• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and/or and additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints - Civil Service Commission

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 identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigation's can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Stephanie Marsh
• Email : DESHR-NonSTDResourcing@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dbscivpers-resourcingteam1@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please see Further Information document attached.

Attachments

DE&S Engineering Competency Framework (ECF) Opens in new window (pdf, 9MB)Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Unmarried Partners Guidance - USA only Opens in new window (docx, 63kB)