Military Aviation Authority – Design Organization Approvals Lead

Looking for a role with real-world impact? Do you have the passion and dedication to be part of an ambitious organization at the forefront of supporting the Ministry of Defence to ensure the safety of personnel and protection of the environment? The Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS) team provides independent assurance of defence contractors and service organisations that are involved in the design, modification and repair of military aircraft systems, associated equipment and airborne explosive ordnance and armament equipment.

We work with a diverse portfolio that ranges from early engagement on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), to established fast jet and helicopter programmes like the Typhoon and Merlin EH101 and incorporates uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS / RPAS), weapons, engines, and life-saving equipment. Our role is to ensure that these organizations adhere to the regulations and utilise recognised standards and practices whilst incorporating innovative technology considerations.

A vacancy has recently arisen due to a team member successfully gaining secondment to a multi-national programme. We are seeking an experienced individual to join our dynamic team. In this role you will take ownership of leading a portfolio of approximately 25 organizations which incorporates those involved in the development of weapons and countermeasures located across the UK and USA. You will lead on audits and assessments to ensure compliance with UK Military Regulations and the safe development of their equipment. We’ll provide the training to develop you into a Lead Auditor, enabling you to effectively undertake your responsibilities. You’ll have the authority and autonomy to deliver objectives while remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for the delivery of the DAOS assurance plan.

We believe in creating an environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their best selves. So, whether you’re looking for a next step, a fresh start, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find an encouraging organisation to be a part of.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

As a Design Organization Approvals Lead, you’ll be responsible for leading on the planning, preparation, conduct and reporting of DAOS assurance activities. This involves conducting audits and assessments through a combination of desktop reviews and on-site visits, requiring occasional pre-planned travel to various locations across the UK and internationally. Your main focus will be evaluating organizations’ compliance with MAA Regulations (RA1000 and RA5000 Series) and assuring the use of design processes that lead to equipment that is safe to operate. You will produce audit reports, make recommendations, issue findings, maintain assurance records, engage with counterparts, and provide briefings to internal management. In cases where significant equipment or safety risks are identified, you will manage any necessary enforcement action.

Additionally, you’ll support crafting future regulations to ensure their effectiveness and help review and provide recommendations on submissions of acceptable alternative means of compliance. DAOS team members develop expertise related to design processes and standards across a wide array of air systems and equipment that is highly valued in guiding colleagues within the MAA and across Defence.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the planning, preparation, conduct and reporting of Design assurance activity, including conducting audits.
• Manage a portfolio of Organizations, including preparation of new and updates of existing Design Approvals.
• Scrutinize company documents and procedures to ensure the implementation of safe and coherent design processes.
• Resolve findings directly with Senior Industry Personnel to drive effective change in the design and development of their products.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engage in the development and review of MAA regulations and policies, influencing changes to reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Support 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 team member.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Alternative working patterns can be considered, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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 ideal applicant should have an engineering background in the design or development of military (or civil) aviation equipment. Prior auditing experience is desirable, although tailored training will be provided to develop you as a Lead Auditor.

Professional registration (or the ability to achieve this) to Incorporated Engineer status is also desirable.

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

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

• Airworthiness Competence Set: Core Function: 1.1 to 1.5 (at Practitioner Level).

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.

At the DSA, we are committed to equal employment opportunities and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer recruiting solely based on merit; we strive to eradicate bias and search for all types of talent. We work diligently to ensure every social group can feel included; our dedication to diversity is evident across our organization and reflects our vision of encouraging an inclusive workforce that harnesses the power of difference to safeguard 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 : Arminder Sahota
• Email : Arminder.Sahota100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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