Logistics Information System Integration and Airworthiness Product Manager - F-35 Programme Office

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.

We offer 25+ days’ holiday, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97%, to help make work work for you.

All applicants will need to meet US 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. 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or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn.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.

DE&S Professional II grade is equivalent to Senior Executive Officer within the Civil Service/MOD

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 programme is the world’s largest single defence programme, led by the United States in partnership with seven other nations. Driving the development of the most advanced and interconnected military aircraft globally the Lightning Delivery Team manages the acquisition and sustainment of the UK’s F-35 Lightning II fleet, along with its mission, training, and support systems. A collaborative effort bringing together civilian and military personnel from diverse professions and locations, this is your opportunity to become part of the team.

Based at the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office in Arlington, Virginia, you will take on the role of Logistics Information System Integration and Airworthiness Products Manager within the Maintenance Systems Program Management Office (PMO). The PMO’s mission is to ensure the creation, implementation, and sustainment of a cost-effective information system environment that supports Autonomic Logistics for war-fighters and maintainers. Your key responsibilities will include managing the development and sustainment of the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) and leading the development of its successor, the F-35 Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN).

As an overseas assignment the role is full time only and with a tour length of 3 years, working out of the F-35 Joint Program Office headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The successful candidate will initially be based in the UK for up to 3 months, in Bristol and RAF Marham, before relocating to the USA. This initial period will provide an opportunity to prepare for the overseas move, develop a foundational understanding of the F-35 international programme and familiarise yourself with the UK Lightning Delivery Team’s 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 post is supported administratively by the British Defence Staff at the British Embassy. They provide assistance in sourcing accommodation (based on family size & needs) within reasonable commuting distance and act as point of contact for healthcare and education issues along with general queries.

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

• Assess and manage risks related to the integration of a highly advanced 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft’s maintenance and logistics information system, working closely with technical experts from the Joint Program Office and industry
• Collaborate with US Services, the Department of Defence, and Joint Strike Fighter Partner and Foreign Military Sales nations on ALIS/ODIN software functionality
• Provide guidance on the operational safety and airworthiness implications of ALIS/ODIN
• Deliver on-site government oversight, management, and prioritisation of development and integration activities at Crystal City
• Analyse data integration challenges, offering direction and recommending practical, actionable solutions to address issues
• Define system airworthiness and safety requirements, identifying gaps and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies as needed
• Offer technical expertise in planning and executing tests for all hardware and software deliveries
• Leverage strong communication skills to build and maintain relationships with Cooperative Program Participants, representing DE&S and the broader MOD enterprise while stationed overseas. Regularly engage with US, UK, and other Partner Authorities to support the delivery of the UK Lightning Programme and the wider international programme.

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:

• 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
• Experience of working within a highly regulated environment such as military aviation
• Knowledge and experience in engineering, maintenance and logistics relating to military aircraft operations
• Experience of Management Information Systems
• Experience of integrating safety related information systems

This position will require the successful candidate to undergo a period of training in the UK prior to taking up the overseas post. The training period will last up to 3 months and will be based in Bristol and RAF Marham.

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

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:

• Leadership
• 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 2018 , 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: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'.

Conflicts of Interest:

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.

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 below:

The following Behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Leadership

• Seeing the Big Picture

The following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• ECF 1.3 Setting Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance - Practitioner
• ECF 3.1 Applying Technical Knowledge - Practitioner
• Leadership (CSBC3)
• Seeing the Big Picture (CSBC3)

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 Leadership
• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2 Seeing the Big Picture
• 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.

The sift will take place w/c 20th April 2026.

the interviews will take place w/c 4th May 2026

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

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.

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)20241009 - Further Information - External (7) Opens in new window (docx, 30kB)Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)