Job description
About the jobJob summaryThe Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UKs nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UKs 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 well achieve the extraordinary.
This position is advertised 37 Hours per week.
The primary delivery location for this position is Abbey Wood, Bristol OR BAE Systems Submarines, Cumbria.
Please note,due to the level of security, this role isreserved for UK nationals only.Job descriptionAre you a systems engineer looking to be part of the most exciting projects in defence? If so, the Submarine Delivery Agency is currently looking for a systems engineer to join their team.
The successful candidate will manage a team of highly-skilled engineers within the Complex Systems area to ensure the design of Dreadnought's Control and Instrumentation (C&I) systems are designed and built to the required standards.
This role covers a variety of systems such as Internal Platform Communication and Data Systems (ICPDS) as well as bespoke systems, such as flood and fire detecion and highly-classified electromagnetic systems.
With the move towards a joint Dreadnought and SSNA project, this role will oversee the implementation of Common As Possible Bespoke As Necessary (CAPBAN) across both projects.
This is a unique opportunity to be involved with cutting-edge defence systems for the benefit of the UK's submarine programmes. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting role, have a look at the essential criteria below and apply now.
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.
As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.
Person specificationWe are looking for a highly capable, adaptable individual. Being comfortable working with minimal oversight is required for this unique position. You will have a thorough understanding of submarine systems and their interrelationships. In addition, you must be comfortable engaging at all levels, with both excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have a strong leadership pedigree.
In order to be successful in this role, you will need to prove that you meet the following essential criteria in your application:
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng), or currently in application for it
- Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) or equivalent, or currently in application for it
- Demonstrable experience of enhancing engineering capability and promoting best practice within an engineering environment
- Ability to apply appropriate analytical methods and engineering judgement to resolve complex technical issues
- Experience in requirements management, technical evaluation, verification, validation, and acceptance activities
- Proven ability to make informed technical decisions and provide robust recommendations to stakeholders
- Experience in technical risk management, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and reporting
QualificationsCEng or IEng (or currently in application for it)
MembershipsMIET or equivalent (or currently in application for it)
Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical Decision Making-Expert
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance-Expert
BenefitsAlongside your salary of 64,400, Ministry of Defence contributes 18,656 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 whichshowcasesthe benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial 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 detailsThis 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 on your;
Personal StatementThis 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. Candidates will be required to provide job history and qualification details.
Behaviours- Communicating and Influencing (CSBC4)
- Leadership (CSBC4)
Technical- Technical Decision Making (Expert)
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance (Expert)
At Interview, you will be assessed on:
Personal Statement/ ExperienceThe panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements or Qualifications.
Behaviours- Communicating and Influencing (CSBC4)
- Leadership (CSBC4)
Technical- Technical Decision Making (Expert)
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance (Expert)
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours here and the Technical Skills Framework and Success Profile documents attached.
Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.
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 accountbusiness needs. Please note the salary will be pro-rata wherepart timehours are undertaken.
Memberships must be held in full within 12 months of being in post.
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.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed vetting (DV)
This post does not offer anyassistancewith 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.
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 informationregardinghow 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.
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 beendeemedto be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and
we will notsponsor 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 Rulesoperateindependently 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 notpracticableorappropriate tointerview all DCS candidates that meet theminimumcriteria 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 toadviseus that you needadditionalhelp or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact
[email protected] 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-handsmokeand supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy,Smokingand the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not bepermittedanywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors,visitorsand other non-MOD personnel. All applicantsseeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place ata number ofDefence Establishments.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
SecuritySuccessful 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 requirementsOpen to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil ServiceThe 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 InclusionThe 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 informationThis 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 applicantsJob contact : Recruitment teamFurther informationFurther Information Document.
Attachments 20250604-Engineering Competence Framework-O (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 198kB) 20240927_Professional Engineer_PI_SDA Sucess Profiles_FINAL-O (2) Opens in new window (pdf, 94kB) Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB) Further Information - Internal Across Government Opens in new window (docx, 42kB)