Are you interested in the opportunity to work on the UK’s leading, most exciting Defence project?

The Royal Navy’s Submarine Service has operated the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent every hour of every day for nearly 50 years, protecting our nation from the extreme threats. SDA are now recruiting for extraordinary people to help deliver the UK’s next generation of ballistic missile submarines – The Dreadnought Class. If you are one of the talented people with skills across Submarine Control & Instrumentation, Software Assurance (Safety Critical), Configuration Management, Submarine Structure/Naval Architecture, Strategic Weapons Systems, Training Needs Analysis (Submarine Operations) or more, the SDA needs you.

We are currently looking for talented Nuclear Engineers to join the Nuclear Systems Department. Nuclear Systems is an Application Environment that encompasses the nuclear power, propulsion and weapon systems developed and supported by the SDA. This area is responsible for ensuring that the MOD’s nuclear systems are safe to operate, deliver the desired effects, and are appropriately decommissioned and disposed of.

These posts will be responsible for performance analysis, and providing recommendations and advice to engineering managers and senior stakeholders regarding the design, performance and safety of submarine rotating propulsion machinery. These posts have the variety to include detached duty visits to meet with equipment suppliers, and the opportunity to work closely with the shipyard, including shipyard visits.

A key element of this role is liaising with stakeholders, both internally and externally, and providing recommendations on technical problem solving, coupled with appropriate planning abilities to resolve engineering problems.

Please note that due to the nature of the projects involved, these posts are reserved for Sole UK Nationals only.

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will be responsible for collating and overseeing the outcome of Engineering requirements in support of the Nuclear Propulsion programme. In particular, you must work with the contractor to ensure SDA are supplying them with the information that they require to design and construct nuclear safety cases. You will need to work as an “intelligent customer”, working with the Industrial Partner in ensuring adequate delivery of their Engineering outputs against the requirements set.

In addition, you will be expected to advise on technical problem solving, coupled with appropriate management planning abilities to resolve complex engineering problems. You will need to define technical requirements, manage solution development and ensure compliance with the customers’ requirements. These assignments are an integral interface to our supply base, ensuring technical solutions meet the needs and requirements of the armed forces.

All of this will, therefore, see you being required to act as a subject matter expert in your specialist area and as a key liaison between the SDA, contractors and other project stakeholders.

What you will be assessed against
To be found successful you must demonstrate the following essential criteria:
• Hold a minimum Level 4 qualification (e.g. HNC) in a relevant Engineering or Science subject or be able to demonstrate the equivalent work
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders across multiple levels.
• Relevant experience from within a nuclear specialism
• Ability to deliver within a heavily-regulated, high-hazardous industry

It would benefit your application should you be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
• Experience of delivering to a programme using a nuclear specialism (e.g. safety case production, health physics or radioactive waste management)
• Submarine experience
• Royal Navy background

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following technical competencies:
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance
• Application of Analytical Techniques

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours:
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing

What’s in it for you?
You will receive a generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution), annual bonuses, a flexible working pattern to fit you where possible, 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days with opportunity for movement and promotion. Some of our sites include an onsite gym, onsite restaurants, cafes and much more.

Find out more about what we offer by clicking here or by using ‘The Little Book of Big Benefits’ booklet PDF at the bottom of this page.

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

About your team
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 & SDA – 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 & SDA and our industry partners and professional bodies.