Royal Navy - Merlin Mk4 Mechanical Trainer

Job summary

At Navy Command, we lead, support, and sustain the Royal Navy across every theatre of operations. We coordinate the people, platforms and missions that keep the Fleet ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we uphold centuries of naval tradition while driving innovation that ensures the Royal Navy’s readiness to protect our nation and secure our future.

As the authority responsible for generating the Royal Navy’s operational capability, Director Force Generation ensures ships, submarines, aviation, commando forces, supporting elements achieve the required levels of readiness. By balancing capability, risk, and operational demand, the directorate provides assured force output and acts as the Fleet’s scheduling authority, ensuring the Royal Navy can deliver whenever and wherever required.

The Merlin Mk4 Mechanical Trainer 1 is responsible for planning, preparing and delivering high‑quality theoretical and practical training on Merlin Mk4 mechanical systems in accordance with approved Learning Specifications. Based at RNAS Culdrose, Cornwall, the role supports Fleet Air Arm operational output through safe, compliant and assured training delivery.

The successful candidate will work alongside a mixed workforce of civilian instructors and military personnel, contributing collaboratively to training delivery, student supervision and assurance activity. Training is delivered using the specialist facilities of the Engineering Training School (ETS) and the Merlin Training Facility (MTF). In addition to instructional duties, the successful candidate supports the maintenance of mechanical training aids, contributes to Quality Assurance and Training Quality Management activity, and deputises for the Merlin Mk4 Lead Mechanical Trainer when required to ensure continuity of output and standards.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The successful candidate will plan, prepare and deliver high‑quality theoretical and practical instruction on Merlin Mk4 mechanical systems in line with approved Learning Specifications. They will deliver training across Merlin Mk4 mechanical engineering courses for engineers, supervisors, aircrew and management personnel, working collaboratively with both civilian instructors and military personnel to ensure coordinated, effective and safe training delivery.

Training will be delivered using the specialist facilities of the Engineering Training School and the Merlin Training Facility, including approved mechanical systems trainers and associated teaching aids. The successful candidate will support the maintenance and sustainment of Merlin mechanical training aids to ensure continued availability, serviceability and safe operation.

When required, the successful candidate will deputise for the Merlin Mk4 Lead Mechanical Trainer, including undertaking Course Manager responsibilities for Merlin Mk4 mechanical courses. They will brief instructors and trainees on the safe use, operating routines and supervisory care requirements associated with the Merlin Systems Trainer.

The successful candidate will contribute to training assurance activity by conducting Quality Assurance self‑audits and Training Quality Management audits when qualified and authorised.

Throughout the role, the successful candidate will liaise with internal Defence stakeholders and external agencies as required to support training delivery, assurance and equipment sustainment, contributing to the continuous improvement and assured output of Merlin Mk4 mechanical training.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you will need to demonstrate that you hold or can achieve the following essential criteria with additional training:

Instructional & Supervisory:

• Defence Trainer (DTc)
• Care of Trainees (DBS check)

Platform & Engineering Competence

• Merlin Mk4 Forward Maintenance – Mechanical Supervisor
• Merlin Forward Maintenance Mechanical Supervisor (FMS067ML)
• Certificate of Competency – Supervise Aircraft Maintenance
• Merlin Working at Height (FGV409ML)

Safeguarding, Assurance & Governance

• Disclosure Check (England and Wales)
• All mandatory MOD Civil Service training (for non‑RN personnel)

Qualifications – Desirable

The following qualifications are desirable and would be advantageous to the role but are not mandatory on appointment:

Quality & Assurance

• Quality Assurance Self‑Auditing Course (FG016SSV)
• Training Quality Management (TQM) audit experience
• Q‑A‑RVA – Usage and Management of Remote Viewing Aids (RVA) in MOD

Training & Supervision

• Defence Training Supervisor qualification
• Experience conducting Defence Trainer or Supervisor assessments

We’re looking for someone who:

• Works well with others – able to collaborate effectively with both civilian colleagues and military personnel, contributing positively to a mixed instructional team and a professional training environment.
• Communicates clearly and professionally – confident in explaining complex mechanical and safety information, able to adapt their communication style to suit trainees, peers and managers.
• Delivers training reliably and to a high standard – organised and dependable, able to plan and deliver training in line with agreed schedules while maintaining safety and quality.
• Maintains a strong focus on safety and quality – committed to supervisory care, assurance and compliance within a regulated Defence aviation training environment.
• Shows a commitment to learning and development – motivated to maintain existing qualifications and take up opportunities to gain further instructional, assurance and supervisory qualifications in support of both personal development and training output.

You will be required to hold a Full UK Driving Licence required for travelling around the site for the role.

Licences

You will be required to hold a Full UK Driving Licence required for travelling around the site for the role.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Access to car parking on site
• Access to a fully equipped gym on site - membership required

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.

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 and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history and qualification details.

If there are a large number of applications, we will sift only on the lead behaviour 'Communicating and Influencing' and your CV only.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

At Interview you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together

Interviews will be held at RNAS Culdrose and will be face to face.

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.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Please read this document prior to completing your application.

Please note: internal candidates must include their staff number when prompted during the application process.

Should you have any queries relating to the vacancy information or sift and interview process, please contact the recruiting line manager using the contact details listed on the vacancy. Please do not direct vacancy related queries to the recruitment team as they will be unable to advise.

FURTHER INFORMATION

CV’s

Should the selection process require a CV, you will be prompted to complete the required criteria during the application process. CV’s sent directly to the recruiting line manager will be deleted immediately to maintain anonymity.

Civil Servants (all grades)

Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.

Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014.

Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

Please see link below to Civil Service Recruitment Principles http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/201…

Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-…

Non Civil Servants

All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period effective from the employment start date.

COMPLAINTS

Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS does not play any part in the selection and interview process itself.

Therefore, if you wish to discuss your feedback, or you are dissatisfied with your markings, you should in the first instance raise this with the Recruiting Line Manager of the vacancy.

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

FOR EXTERNAL VACANCIES 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

Cabinet Office Fraud Checks

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment.

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

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 : James Murphy
• Email : James.Murphy231@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

20250110- NC CS Applicant Pack Booklet - O (10) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 1607kB)MOD Candidate Pack (2) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)ToRs - Merlin Mk4 Mechanical Trainer Opens in new window (docx, 67kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)