F-35 Mission Planning Sustainment Manager

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.

DE&S has recently been integrated into the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group). The NAD Group brings together key Ministry of Defence (MOD) organisations to unite expertise across science, technology, procurement, infrastructure, and support to provide integrated capabilities faster and more efficiently for our armed forces and our allies. This is an exciting new opportunity to enable better ways of working and empower greater collaboration across Defence. For further information about the NAD Group, please visit: National Armaments Director Group - GOV.UK

All applicants will need to meet US (United States) State Department eligibility criteria for accreditation, notably this restricts applications from dual US Nationals/Lawful Permanent Residents, candidates under the age of 20 years old, and candidates who have held or currently hold another accredited post in the USA within the 3 years prior to posting, 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.

For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only and we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 10 years and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have 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or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn.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 DV security clearance can be a lengthy process. If clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months, we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made.

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 F-35 Lightning aircraft is a 5th generation multi-role combat aircraft with advanced sensors, mission systems, and low-observable (stealth) technology. F-35 is the world’s largest single defence programme bringing together the US, seven partner nations, and a global supply chain of more than 1,800 suppliers and offering unparalleled opportunities to work at the forefront of aerospace and defence. The Lightning Delivery Team brings together civilian and military personnel from a wide range of professions and locations, and the UK has played a major role from the outset in the System Design and Demonstration phase, resulting in significant investment and jobs for UK industry.

As the F-35 Mission Planning Sustainment Manager you will be a part of the F-35 Lightning Mission Planning Environment (MPE) team to provide technical subject matter expertise and responsibility for planning, coordinating, and evaluating the development and sustainment for all new MPE products and software releases to all F-35 operating locations. This includes understanding, managing, and coordinating the delivery of the differing requirements of each country operating the F-35 Lightning, including associated capabilities such as weapons, datalinks, and countermeasures. Your work will have significant impact in supporting the delivery of capability that front-line pilots across the international F-35 Lightning enterprise rely on in order to be lethal, survivable, and interoperable in even the most contested and dangerous operating environments.

You will be expected to travel regularly between Lockheed Martin sites in Fort Worth, and Orlando, as well as MPE fielded sites both within the US and internationally as needed, with an expectation of up to one to two weeks travel per month.

As this an overseas assignment the role is full time only (37 hours per week), and a 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 spend approximately four months in post in the UK to prepare for the role, gaining a baseline understanding of the F-35 international program and UK Lightning Delivery Team processes from the teams in Bristol and at RAF Marham.

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 CPP roles work for the US Government, whilst maintaining UK MOD responsibilities, and 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

• Maintenance of the MPE Development Roadmap under the direction of the Mission Planning Portfolio Lead
• Participation in all technical meetings related to the development and sustainment of the Mission Planning Environment (MPE). Deputising for MPE lead when unavailable
• Provide demonstrable improvements to the deployment and performance of MPE software and hardware
• Liaison with Security to ensure the timely release of documentation necessary to support MPE releases to each site
• Liaison with Training to determine the training requirements associated with each new MPE release
• Provide assurance to the UK Lightning Delivery Team of MPE including test adequacy and demonstrated capability in support of certification processes and fielding decisions.

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:

• Recent working knowledge of Operational Support requirements with experience of Mission Planning Environments, Agile Software Development programs, and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and techniques
• 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

It would benefit your application if you were able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of network architecture, IT infrastructure and hardware as well as Cloud native technologies
• Ability to review engineering documentation and evaluate the full product lifecycle from requirement definition through sustainment and disposal to support the release of the software and hardware to operational environment
• Ability to work effectively with software engineers, in-service support organisations, and end users.

Qualifications

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

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 1.3 Setting Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance - Practitioner
• ECF 3.1 Applying Technical Knowledge - 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.

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/

• 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

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.

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.’

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.

Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success, feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment..

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift - We will check your application to ensure 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.
3. Interview - If you're invited to interview, you will be assessed against the following:

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions (CSBC3)
• Core Behaviour 2: Seeing the Big Picture (CSBC3)
• Technical Competence 1: ECF 1.3 Setting Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance (Practitioner)
• Technical Competence 2: ECF 3.1 Applying Technical Knowledge (Practitioner)

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.

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

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.

There is a known technical issue affecting MOD Trading Fund employees that is being investigated. If you are an employee of a MOD Trading Fund and your application is rejected due to failing the eligibility, please contact DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam1@mod.gov.uk with your name and the vacancy reference number, marking the query as urgent, prior to the closing date. This will allow us to progress your application to the correct stage for your completion.

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.

Please read the attached ‘SOFA Restrictions’ document to confirm you are eligible to apply for this post.

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 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 : 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, 457kB)20241009 - Further Information - External Opens in new window (docx, 30kB)Ministry of Defence – Revised Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 298kB)SOFA Restrictions Opens in new window (pdf, 105kB)