DNO - SSPAG Nuclear Operations & Patrol Security Lead Analyst

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.

SSPAG is part of the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO). SSPAG’s role is to help assure the effectiveness of the Nuclear Deterrent. We do this through a programme of patrol Security analysis, assessments and audits of key capabilities and operations. Our assessments and analysis is central to senior decision making within the Ministry of Defence. In SSPAG you will be at the heart of real Defence issues, delivering against one of the Department’s top priorities, in a high-profile area which is rarely out of the news.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Patrol Security Lead Analyst role is based in the SSPAG Patrol Security team. We undertake critical operational analysis, and provide detailed technical readouts which support the UK submarine fleet. The Lead Analyst role is responsible for leading a small analytical team and supported by an embedded Submarine Warfare Office to deliver operational assessment and supporting reports. The post would suit an individual with experience in leading and managing technical analysis, possessing an inquisitive technical mindset and the aptitude to learn from engagement with the engineering, analytical, science and technology communities.

As part of a busy and well-respected team at the heart of SSPAG, you will be responsible for leading and managing the design, implementation and delivery of Maritime Submarine Patrol Security Analysis in support of Operational Assurance of the Nuclear Deterrent. You will have opportunities to engage across MoD, Dstl, industry, academia, wider government, and potentially internationally in the identification support of the delivery of UK Nuclear Deterrent Assurance.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute directly to technical studies and projects relating to submarine security assurance. These studies cover a wide range of techniques, including operational analysis; the creation and use of bespoke numerical models; signal processing and signal detection. Even if you don’t think you’ve got 100% of what we’re after, still give it a go. There will be training opportunities plus a supportive environment for the right candidate who is willing to invest their time and energy into developing themselves for this role.

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but due to security constraints the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Candidates should be aware that their office-based workplace will only have stair access. Since we are based in the basement there will also be no access to a window.

Although our office is accessible by stair access, we welcome all applications and are willing to consider any adjustments which are deemed reasonable.

Person specification

The successful candidate must have a STEM degree (or equivalent relevant experience) providing technical and/or analytical skills. However, subject specific knowledge can be developed within role.

The successful candidate should have the ability to demonstrate:

• Experience of technical/scientific work in the underwater domain.
• Experience of technical/scientific work relating to geospatial analysis
• Experience in programming in any widely-used programming language, e.g. C, C++, Python, R, Fortran, Matlab.
• Experience of solving complex technical problems Experience in gathering, organising and evaluating information, working with complex datasets.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling the post holder to succinctly convey complex information to a varied audience and to deal with stakeholders at all levels both within and outside the organisation. ~
• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Aptitude to prioritise, work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.

The following are desirable but not essential and can be developed within role:

• Experience of technical or scientific work in relation to the underwater domain.
• Experience of conducting operational analysis, numerical modelling or simulation.
• Experience in any signal detection technologies.
• An understanding of submarine operations.
• Experience of project / programme management Awareness of the UK Strategic Deterrent and the role it plays in national security.

Behaviours

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

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

Technical skills

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

• A practical assessment will be held during the interview, further details to be provided after sift. Technical skills required are outlined in the person specification section. Please also look at the attached documents for "Practitioner"

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 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
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery

Please note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

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 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 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.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and the following:

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

At interview, you will be assessed against the following:

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

Technical Skills:

• A practical assessment will be held during the interview, further details to be provided after sift.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to 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. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It 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 mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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 developed vetting (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 : The SSPAG Registry
• Email : DNO-SSPAGRegistry@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dbscivpers-resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

Candidate Information 2025 Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Operational_Analysis Opens in new window (pdf, 263kB)Geospatial_Analyst Opens in new window (pdf, 1234kB)