The DE&S Air Engineering Function is looking for a talented engineer to join their team as the Lightning Mission Systems Lead Engineer, within the Lightning Delivery Team at MoD Abbey Wood, Bristol.

The Lightning Delivery Team is responsible for developing, acquiring and supporting the UK’s growing fleet of F-35B multi-role, combat aircraft. The team is comprised of specialist engineers, logisticians, commercial officers and project-mangers who work in collaboration with International partners and Industry to develop and sustain the UK’s Lightning fleet as an advanced ‘5th generation’ capability for UK Defence.

The role will lead the Lightning Delivery Team Mission Systems team, covering Software, Communications, Navigation, Datalinks and Interoperability, Sensors, Electronic Warfare, Electro-magnetic Environmental Effects, and Flight Control Systems for a highly complex 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft. Software is intrinsic across the Air System, with Mission Systems a particularly software intensive area. The role will cover both development and integration activities as well as certification activity and management of in-service technical issues, leading a team of 10 engineers split between MoD Abbey Wood and RAF Marham, and staff embedded in the USA.

Responsibilities:

Main tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Working with colleagues across a broad international technical programme to obtain insight, exert influence, communicate matters of a technical basis and to ensure appropriate prioritisation of UK requirements or technical queries.
• Management of the Mission Systems team certification activity for a 5th Generation Aircraft in accordance with Def Stan 00-970 and MIL-HDBK-516C.
• Management of Mission Systems related in-service technical issues to ensure continued readiness and availability of the UK’s Lightning aircraft.
• Liaison and interface with the US Joint Program Office (JPO) and US based MOD staff as well as other Lightning Delivery Team desks to understand planned technical changes and modernisation particularly with regards to software, mission support and interoperability (including integration into the UK environment).
• The development and management of local policy and procedures.
• Being based at MoD Abbey Wood, with the ability to travel to RAF Marham or overseas for training or to support Lightning Delivery Teams requirements.
• Primary Delivery Manager of the personnel within the Mission Systems team.
• Working effectively within the Lightning Delivery Team’s engineering team and reporting to the Development Engineer, Certification Engineer, In-Service Engineer, and Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

To be successful you must have:
• Significant demonstrable experience of leading a similar engineering team
• Relevant Level 4 qualification in an Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience
• Substantial engineering experience of the Air industry
• Substantial Aircraft systems knowledge
• Experience of working on the development and fielding of modern, software intensive, highly integrated Air Systems
• Experience of working on international projects
• Knowledge and experience of in-service support of modern air systems
• Membership of a relevant Professional Institution with Engineering Council registration of at least Incorporated Engineer, or the ability to achieve Incorporated within 6 months, in order to hold a Letter of Airworthiness Authority.
• Confident and capable verbal and written communication skills
• IT competence
• Be able to pass the Developed Vetting process.

It will be beneficial to have:
Knowledge and experience of UK military maintenance, assurance and operating practices
• F-35 systems knowledge
• F-35 maintenance and operating experience
• Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) operating system knowledge and experience
• Experience of working closely with the US on the development and fielding of modern, software intensive, highly integrated Air Systems
• Experience in UK airworthiness management and documentation production/control
• Experience of working in a similar Special Access Programme or similar classified environment.

Due to the security requirements of this role, you will be required to obtain DV (Developed Vetting) within 6 months of appointment and the role is open for SOLE UK NATIONALS only.

Please note that you may be considered for similar positions at the level below the advertised role.

About SDA and your team

We are currently recruiting vacancies across both DE&S and the SDA. If you are successful, you may be assigned to either depending on your skillsets and the business need.

The force behind the armed forces, DE&S is a highly specialised, branch of the MoD, operating with a budget of £178 billion over the next 10 years. From the procurement of aircraft carriers to the provision of food, we ensure our armed forces have the equipment and support they need to achieve their operations. We employ over 12,000 people across more than 150 locations around the world.

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is an Executive Agency 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, and delivering the most technically complex programmes in Defence. We employ over 1400 people and have an annual spend of c. £3.5 billion.

Cutting-edge engineering and science is a critical component in delivering modern, battle-winning technologies to all branches of the armed forces. Engineering is the largest business area within DE&S – and it’s one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within DE&S and our industry partners and professional bodies.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension

Please find ‘The Little Book of Big Benefits’ attached or click here

This post is not eligible for relocation allowances.