Opportunity for an Engineer with an interest in Software Certification/Cyber

In the context of this role Programmable Elements is defined as systems containing safety related software, airborne electronic hardware, multicore processors and cyber security for airworthiness.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a Programmable Elements subject area lead within the Certification Division of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) We’re responsible for developing the regulation for, and undertaking certification of, all new military Air Systems and major changes to type designs as defined by regulation. Our extensive portfolio covers fast jets, helicopters and large aircraft through to uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS/RPAS) and Air Traffic Equipment. You’ll have the opportunity to lead Certification projects which often make use of innovative technology, and we’re responsible for making sure they’re developing air systems to recognised standards.

We’ll provide you with the necessary training so that you can effectively undertake your responsibilities. We’ll also give you the appropriate authority and latitude to deliver your objectives, remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for delivery.

We also offer excellent personal and professional development opportunities and have a vibrant social and entertainments programme throughout the year!

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Programmable Elements role is not a typical IT role.  Ideally, this post would suit an aerospace engineer (other types of engineering degrees are also considered) with some prior Programmable Elements experience or knowledge, seeking a career change into cyber/software certification, or alternatively; a Computer science/Software/Cyber professional wanting a career change into the aviation certification world.

The Programmable Element Certification role involves:

The technical analysis of aircraft systems through the review of certification artifacts (primary reports) to ensure the software, complex electronic hardware and cyber properties of those systems do not adversely affect the safety of aircraft.

To be clear, the role does not involve:

• Software development and testing/verification of code
• Network security, network configuration design work
• Server management
• Vulnerability scanning
• Management of IT security alerts , security incidents, incident assessments
• Computer repairs, software/security updates
• Penetration testing
• (Nothing to do with typical IT roles)

The successful applicant should ideally have a mixture of technical and non-technical knowledge as follows (although training is available as required):

• Knowledge of Civil and MOD regulations, policy, civilian and military standards
• Knowledge of Software Standards such as DO178C /ED-12C (+ supplement standards)
• Knowledge of Airborne Electronic Hardware Standards DO254/ED-80
• Knowledge of Cyber Security Standards such as DO326A/ED-203A, DO355A, DO356A etc
• Knowledge of aviation and aviation technologies and systems
• Knowledge of the Certification of Civil and Military Aircraft
• Knowledge of  Aircraft Safety
• The ability to become military aircraft certification experts, offering advice and guidance in PE Certification and Leading development of PE Certification policy and Defence Standard amendments (read MMAC manual for more info about our certification processes.)

Training will be available in the primary certification standards, certification processes and in the Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems/Safety Management, although some prior knowledge or experience of PE and the Air Environment are desired. To become a fully qualified SME in the MAA, you’ll need at least 3 to 4 years of work experience and further courses and training.

How does the MAA fit into Defence?

Part of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), the MAA is the organization responsible for the regulation, surveillance, inspection, and assurance of Defence Aviation. We ensure the safe design and use of military Air Systems. As the single Authority responsible for regulating all aspects of Air Safety across Defence, the MAA has full oversight of all Defence aviation activity. Through independent audit and continuous surveillance, the MAA strives to provide the Director General DSA (DG DSA), the critical assurance that appropriate safety standards are being maintained, whilst delivering operational capability. The MAA are the military equivalent to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Providing certification assurance of aviation programmable elements in UK military registered Air Systems.
• Providing advice to airworthiness process owners on aviation programmable elements issues relating to integrity management.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engaging in the development and review of MAA regulation and policy, influencing changes to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Supporting the overall outputs of the team, including those of the wider MAA, to improve the delivery of our services across Defence.
• Line management of 1x C2/HEO civil servant and 1 x OF2/Flt Lt military team member.

Experience

The ideal applicant should have an engineering background within the programmable elements subject area for a minimum of 5 years. Prior Certification experience is desirable, though tailored training is available as required.

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• Airworthiness ACS1.1 Defence Aviation Context (Practitioner)
• Engineering Aerospace AEFC2.3 (Practitioner)

The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:

• Generous Pension Scheme ​
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days leave per year!
• 8 public holidays per year plus an extra day of leave for HM The King’s birthday
• Flexi-time scheme (after 6 months)
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity (see our commitment below)

Hybrid working is supported on an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of expected attendance in the workplace (at MOD Abbey Wood North) and working from home to meet business needs and with management approval.

The DSA is strongly dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunity irrespective of your race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, civil status, sex, or gender identity. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, and we are actively working to establish a diverse workforce across the entire organization. We are delighted to announce that we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and that we recruit purely based upon the merit of each and every individual applicant. We pride ourselves on our commitment to ensure recruitment of the very best individuals and acquire a diverse and inclusive viewpoint to our decision making. We can assure you that we search for all types of talent and are striving to make sure that all social groups are successfully represented. We work diligently to eradicate any bias and safeguard every protected status and characteristic as lawfully required under the 2010 Equality Act. Our dedication to promoting diversity is clearly reflected across our organization and within our vision to foster an inclusive workforce. Defence harnesses the power of difference to deliver capability that safeguards our nation’s security and stability.

We’ll also ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request further information.

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. 

Job contact :

• Name : Mr Jim Morris
• Email : Jim.Morris426@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dbscivpers-resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk