Systems Integration Dreadnought Technical Lead

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put our values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The primary delivery location for this position is BAE Systems Submarines, Barrow, Cumbria.

Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.

Job description

The post holder is responsible for the control of key technical outputs, system integration and test, configuration management, facility certification, weapon inspections, and work to support full-service use required under the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) to submarines. In fulfilment of these responsibilities the post holder is required to lead a diverse team of specialist engineering and Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) skills and is responsible for the delivery of the following Trident Systems Project Team (TSPT) Dreadnought Project Management Plan (PMP) engineering and related IM/IT outputs, specifically in build:

• Design Change Management
• Configuration Control
• Technical Documentation Management “first provision” to Dreadnought
• Maintenance Planning development and “first provision” to Dreadnought
• Integrated Testing and analysis for Dreadnought
• Build activity audit and evaluation
• Technical Support to Equipment Authority (EA) and TSPT Dreadnought Project Management Plan (PMP) for all the above and leading the US support to Shipyard Installation and Integration and Testing Phases 1-8, inclusive of Demonstration and Shakedown Operations (DASO)
• Technical Support to TSPT for the management of the Successor Technical Exchange (SUTEX) and subordinate working groups to secure and de-risk the US supply of the Strategic Weapon System included within the Common Missile Compartment.

Responsibilities:

The post holder is a lead technical specialist and engineering role within TSPT that develops and implements engineering policy and standards to ensure that the interfaces between the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) and platform are delivered and that the SWS and supporting Strategic Weapons Support System (SWSS)/Ship Selected Systems (SSS) meet the overall technical objectives to deliver a safe and effective weapons system for use in fleet-time through Installation Test Requirements Outline (ITRO) and Shipyard Installation Test Programme (SITP) adherence.

The role develops and authorises the SDA policies that implement the technical requirements of the PSA for Dreadnought submarine platforms including their associated build and in-service support facility interfaces. These include the following key areas:

• Technical and safety assurance for the SWS and associated interfaces through rigorous system testing and analysis
• Technical compliance for the submarine and associated support facilities to assure the UK has robust through life nuclear weapon support capability.
• An integrated configuration management system for the SWS and interfacing systems.
• SWS and supporting systems maintenance procedures, failure analysis system and procurement of specialist equipment to validate system availability, reliability and maintainability.
• SWS design change to support platform and warhead system capability programmes.
• Management of the technical and programme information necessary to develop and maintain the nuclear weapon capability.
• The role leads on discussion with US and UK stakeholders to ensure the continued safety and availability of the SWS and ensure risks are captured and managed appropriately.
• The role is required to maintain a deep technical understanding of the interfacing equipment, including the submarine platform and nuclear warhead to maintain compatibility and deliver an effective nuclear Deterrent.
• Undertake necessary training and development opportunities to increase Nuclear, SWS and Safety Suitably Qualified Experienced Personnel (SQEP) across the submarine enterprise to provide lead engineering for SWS and interfacing systems.
• To deliver effectively into the submarine programme, the role is to remain current on each of the above disciplines, be conversant with modern safety practices and proactively foster a Nuclear Weapon System Safety Culture within the engineering function of TSPT
• Support the implementation of the SDA Engineering Standards and Strategies.
  Authorise and implement TSPT Policy and processes for SWS/SWSS engineering Design Change, Configuration Management, Weapon System Testing and SWS capability Evaluation
• Implement the benefits of the Systems of Systems Approach (SOSA) Design Principles. Follow policy set by the TSPT-Chief Engineer (CE) utilising any appropriate specialist resources to achieve delivery.
• Implement the use of Guide for Engineering Activities and Review (GEAR) to the Programme as an acceptable approach to Engineering Planning and Review and Assurance.

We welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions. Due to the designated working area level for this role known as Information Protection Zone (IPZ) permission will need to be sought for any medical devices or assistive technology to be used in the IPZ. This is because the type of technology used is prohibited due to security. Permission is granted on a case by case basis and it is an essential function of the role to be able to work in the designated IPZ area.
We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.

Successful applicants for this role may be eligible for a Trident Specialist Allowance (TSA) or Trident Chartership (TCA) if eligibility criteria are satisfied. TSA and TCA are non-contractual, non consolidated, discretionary payments which may be withdrawn at any time.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

For this role, we are seeking the following:

• Extensive experience, including operating as a manager in a complex organisation
• Breadth of technical knowledge spanning multiple disciplines and of working in a variety of teams, operational environments.
• Have extensive experience of working with internal and external stakeholders

Essential Criteria:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or equivalent relevant professional registration
• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering/Science Institute or equivalent body
• Relevant Level 6 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience of providing technical advice at a senior level and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes in multidisciplinary projects.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with a broad understanding of the interdependencies between your work and related systems.

Qualifications

Relevant Level 6 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.
C.Eng can be achieved within six months of taking up post. Please select 'Yes'

Memberships

Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or equivalent relevant professional registration
Member of a relevant Professional Engineering/Science Institute or equivalent body.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Leadership

Technical skills

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

• EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance
• EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making
• EFCF 5 Technical Risk Management

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £62,900, Ministry of Defence contributes £18,222 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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%
• 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/

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.

At Sift, you will be assessed against the following;

Experience:

Personal Statement - This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable requirements for the role.

Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving
• Leadership

Technical Competencies: (Expert)

• Technical Requirements, Evaluation &
  Acceptance
• Technical Decision Making
• Technical Risk Management

At Interview, you will be assessed against the following;

Experience:

Personal Statement/ Experience - The panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements or Qualifications.

Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving
• Leadership

Technical Competencies: (Expert)

• EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation &
  Acceptance
• EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making
• EFCF 5 Technical Risk Management

Please refer to the Technical Skills Framework and Behaviour document attached.

To be considered for this role, qualifications and/or memberships detailed must be held in full or completed within 6 months of taking up the post.

The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.

Requests to work flexibly and/or part time will be considered, taking into account business needs. Please note the salary will be pro-rata where part time hours are undertaken.

All employees joining Ministry of Defence who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.

This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.

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 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.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed vetting (DV).

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. 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.

Please note the Civil Service Nationality Rules will also need to be met. The Civil Service Nationality Rules operate independently and in addition to the UK Immigration Rules and must be met before an individual can take up employment in the Civil Service. The Civil Service Nationality Rules do not apply to UK, Irish and Commonwealth nationals, or to those who are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme but do apply to all other nationalities- including EU/EEA nationals who are ineligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work for Veterans - GOV.UK

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.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contactDBSFPCP-SRMResourcingSDA@mod.gov.uk

SDA Reward Offer - Working for SDA - Submarine Delivery Agency - GOV.UK

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.

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. 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.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 : Ross Galloway
• Email : ross.galloway567@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSFPCP-SRMResourcingSDA@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please see further information document

Attachments

Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)20241009 - Further Information - External (1) (1) Opens in new window (docx, 38kB)20250604-Engineering Competence Framework-O Opens in new window (pdf, 198kB)