Navy Command - Software Engineer (Junior)

Job description

Job summary

Are you an aspiring or developing software engineer who wants to apply their skills to real operational challenges? Do you enjoy building practical digital products, solving complex problems, improving existing systems, and working closely with users to understand what they need?

1710 Naval Air Squadron is a specialist Royal Navy unit based at HM Naval Base Portsmouth. We are a mixed Civil Service and Tri-Service military team of engineers, scientists, digital specialists and data professionals who use scientific, engineering, digital and data reasoning to help recover, sustain and enhance UK Defence aviation capability.

This role sits within the Digital & Data Department, supporting Data Exploitation activity across 1710 NAS, the Fleet Air Arm, Joint Aviation Command and wider Defence Aviation. The Department is organised around three connected sections: Digital Services, Data Exploitation and Flight Data Exploitation, which together support information systems, analytical products, digital solutions and recorded flight data exploitation.

As our Software Engineer, you will help design, build, test, document, maintain and improve software products that turn data into usable operational insight. You will support current and emerging 1710 NAS work strands including analytical products, digital services, data exploitation capability, application maintenance, database-enabled solutions, AI-adjacent innovation, and stakeholder-facing digital products.

Job description

As our Software Engineer you will support the development, maintenance and improvement of software solutions used to support 1710 NAS Data Exploitation activity. You will work with users, data specialists, engineers, digital services personnel and aviation subject matter experts to understand operational problems and translate them into useful, sustainable digital solutions. The role will include both new development and through-life support. This may include maintaining existing applications, improving functionality, resolving issues, supporting bug fixes, improving usability, documenting solutions, conducting testing activity and ensuring digital products remain fit for purpose as technology and user needs develop. You will be expected to adopt a user-centred and service-focused approach, with an appreciation of the full product lifecycle from idea, discovery and requirement capture through to design, development, test, service support, improvement and eventual withdrawal.

Responsibilities

As a Software Engineer within 1710 NAS Digital & Data, you will be responsible for:

• Designing, developing, testing and documenting software solutions that support Data Exploitation, Digital Services, Flight Data Exploitation and wider 1710 NAS outputs.
• Writing clean, secure and maintainable code, following appropriate MOD and team standards.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines to ingest, transform and validate data from multiple sources.
• Developing and maintaining applications, APIs, scripts, databases and data-enabled tools that support operational users.
• Supporting existing applications by investigating defects, correcting bugs, improving functionality and maintaining service continuity.
• Working with users and stakeholders to understand problems, capture requirements and translate them into technical tasks.
• Supporting database design, data modelling and integration where required.
• Using appropriate development and task management tools, such as DevOps or other agreed team tools, to manage work, evidence progress and maintain documentation.
• Contributing to testing, release, support and continuous improvement activity.

Person specification

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in software engineering, data and digital delivery. You do not need to know everything on day one, but you should be able to demonstrate curiosity, practical problem-solving, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work with users to deliver useful outcomes.

Essential criteria
- Practical experience of software development, either through professional experience, education, self-directed learning or personal projects. You understand how to design, build, test and improve software products.
- Write, adapt or maintain code using one or more relevant languages or frameworks. Examples may include C#, ASP.NET, SQL, Python, JavaScript or other appropriate technologies.
- Able to investigate issues, resolve bugs, improve existing applications and consider how users will operate the product after release.
- Work with users and stakeholders to understand a problem, clarify requirements and develop practical solutions.
- Take responsibility for your work, identify issues early, and are proactive in seeking solutions.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, explain technical issues clearly, and contribute to a positive team environment.
- You are motivated by applying software engineering to operational, engineering and data-led challenges across Defence aviation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience with C#, ASP.NET, SQL, Python, JavaScript, Power Platform, Power BI or similar technologies.
• Experience using Git, Azure, DevOps practices, backlog management tools or other software delivery tooling.
• Understanding of APIs, databases, data models or integration between systems.
• Awareness of cyber security, information assurance, secure coding or MOD information handling requirements.
• Experience supporting software in a live or service environment.
• Experience capturing user requirements and translating them into technical tasks.
• Awareness of agile delivery methods, including Scrum or Kanban.
• Experience producing technical documentation, test notes, release notes or user guidance.
• A valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold strong English and Maths skills and either a Level 3 qualification in a digital, software, computing, data or engineering-related subject, or equivalent practical experience relevant to software engineering.

Qualifications
Applicants should hold either a Level 3 qualification in a digital, software, computing, data or engineering-related subject, or equivalent practical experience relevant to software engineering.

Behaviours

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

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

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

• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• Digital and Data profession capability framework Junior Software Developer: Programming and Build
• Digital and Data profession capability framework Junior Software Developer: Service Support

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 (opens in a new window).

We'll provide a great range of benefits including:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development including working towards Chartership and accreditation support.
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season-ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days a year)"Excellent learning and development
• Onsite gym
• Flexible working
• Onsite parking

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and youll be supported through your learning journey and your career. This can include working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

Youll have access to a variety of qualifications pathways ranging from GCSE/A-Level equivalent all the way up to masters degree, depending on your role, your previous skills and your experience. Some qualifications even include on-the-job training which means minimal disruption to your working day but maximum impact.

As part of Defence Reform, Navy Command continues to review and evolve its Target Operating Model to support more agile ways of working. In this context, the role and responsibilities of this role may develop over time to reflect changing business priorities and opportunities.

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.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

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 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.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

The following tests will be required as part of the application process:

• Civil Service Numerical Test
• Civil Service Verbal Test

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

Personal Statement:

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. ( 500 word count)

At sift , candidates will be assessed against their CV, Statement of suitability and the following:

Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving

In the event of a high volume of applications, only the CV and Personal Statement will be assessed at sift.

At interview , candidates will be assessed against the following:

Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical Skills:

• Digital and Data profession capability framework Junior Software Developer: Programming and Build
• Digital and Data profession capability framework Junior Software Developer: Service Support

Interviews will be a blend of Behaviour, Technical Skills and Experience type questions. Interviews will take place at 1710 Naval Air Squadron, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth.

Candidates will be required to complete an online Numerical , Verbal test and Civil Service Judgement test .

The Civil Service Judgement Test is not bankable and therefore must be taken on every vacancy where it is applied.

Should you be invited to complete the online tests, please allow sufficient time to complete the tests and the remainder of the full application form; only candidates who are successful at the test stage will be invited to complete the remainder of the application by clicking Submit Application. Your application must be completed by 23:55 on the closing date of the vacancy. Late submissions cannot be accepted. The tests are not timed, as they work by giving you harder questions if you answer the previous question correctly, and easier if you get it wrong. You should allow up to an hour for each test, and each test must be completed before you will be invited to complete the second part of your application. Internet access will be required for the duration of the test. Please refer to the attached Candidate Guidance for further information.

Candidates that reach the minimum required pass mark will have their results saved as a banked score against the following tests:

New Civil Service Verbal Test

New Civil Service Numerical Test

When a candidate has a banked score theyre not asked to re-take the same test providing it is set at the same level. Scores will be banked for a 6 month period from the date of test completion. If a candidate is invited to take the same test against multiple vacancies, the banked score will be recognised against all vacancies and all active applications will progress.

CSJT scores cannot be banked as each test is generated from the behaviours required for a specific role which will vary between recruitment campaigns.

If you require any particular arrangements (for example due to a disability or health problem) to be made in order for you to complete the online test you MUST contact the DBS Enquiry Centre on 0800 345 7772 BEFORE accessing the online test.

Opening times Mon -Friday 0800- 1600 hrs.

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.

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.

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

CVs

Should the selection process require a CV, you will be prompted to complete the required criteria during the application process. CVs 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 MoDs 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 employees ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

Please see link below to Civil Service Recruitment Principles http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RECRUITMENT-PRINCIPLES-April-2018-FINAL-.pdf

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-notice/mod-privacy-notice

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: [email protected]

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 basic (or equivalent) 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 the Civil 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 : Gregory Hawkes
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

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 youremaindissatisfied 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:[email protected].

Attachments Navy Candidate Attraction Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 7954kB) Navy Candidate Information Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 1513kB) Technical Skills Assessment Guidance - Junior Software Engineer Opens in new window (pdf, 94kB) Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)