Navy Command-Principal Design Engineer- Civil Engineer

HMNB Clyde, Faslane

HIs Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde Design Authority are seeking to recruit a Principal Design Engineer to provide expertise in the field of Civil Enginering.
The Principal Design Engineer (Civil Engineer) for the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability and Approving Authority Design Projects will provide an exciting and unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde as it undergoes significant investment in support of current operations and in preparation for the future nuclear submarine and weapons programmes.

In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver.

Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

This role can be undertaken through a Hybrid working pattern. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.

The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.

This post is eligible for the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £12,000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and will be dependent on a candidate’s ability to successfully demonstrate the necessary competency, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Working within the Clyde Design Authority, the Principal Design Engineer posts are responsible for ensuring that Design Substantiation is developed to support the nuclear design intent requirements for the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability programme and AA(D) Projects department at HMNB Clyde, to support future operations.
The post holder will act as an authority for the development of the design substantiation, in their area of engineering specialism, and safety of nuclear activities, briefing seniors, operators and regulators and working with other UK partners as required.
To achieve this, we will offer significant opportunities to develop your knowledge of nuclear activities and designs through both formal training and on-site familiarisation.

As the Design Authority for Civil Engineering working towards the introduction of the Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability and AA(D) Projects programme you will be responsible for:
Acting as the Intelligent Customer for contractor delivery of Design Substantiation to address safety case requirements, ensuring these are consistent with current good practice and regulatory requirements.
Skills and Experience:
Design Substantiation of Class 1, 2 and 3 Structures, Systems and Components, in engineering area of expertise, demonstration of application of engineering codes and standards, demonstration of ALARP, and ensuring the validity of evidence in support of claims and arguments.
Derivations and application of, Examination, Inspection, Maintenance and Testing requirements for Structures, Systems and Components.
Presenting to Safety Committees, such as an Authorisee’s/Licensee’s Nuclear Safety Committee (NSC) a track record of making intelligent evidence based decisions using various sources of data.
The ability to effectively manage and prioritise your own and a team’s workload.
Minimum of Engineering Council degree in an engineering/science subject (or equivalent qualification or experience).
The Principal Design Engineer roles are Reserved Posts as it requires access to Protectively Marked Information associated with the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme and therefore restrictions on specific dual nationalities apply.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

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

• Nuclear Competence 4.4 Level 2 – Nuclear infrastructure concept, assessment, design, modification and life extension
• Nuclear Competence 6.1 Level 2 – Naval reactor plant and supporting infrastructure maintenance

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes
£11,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• A very competitive pension scheme
• 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
• On-site Facilities (gymnasium, Ski Club, recreational shopping mall, café, messing facilities etc)
• Free Car Parking
• Assisted Travel Scheme
• 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 average employer contribution of 27%

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

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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. 

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

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Job contact :

• Name : Alan Hill or Mark Aiken
• Email : alan.hill283@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk