SDA Technical Engineering Graduate Scheme

The Submarine Delivery Agency is responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivers some of the most technically complex programmes in defence.

As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to – whether that’s alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

The SDA is looking for talented, motivated and creative university graduates to join our Technical Engineering Graduate Scheme and become our Engineers and Scientists of the future.

During this 2 year scheme, successful applicants will be initially based in Bristol and will undertake various work-based placements across SDA Delivery Teams, Industry Partners, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), and Navy Command to support personal development, scheme completion and initial professional development towards Incorporated or Chartered status.

Through placement opportunities at waterfront establishments, industry partners, and potentially overseas you’ll also get an understanding of the systems in place to support our Royal Navy colleagues who are ‘hands on’ with the equipment.

There is also potential to undertake further academic study through our upskilling programme (MSc/MEng), and opportunity to access technical training and continuous professional development.

Once you’ve completed the Scheme you’ll be assigned to a role within either SDA, DNO or Navy Command to continue your career and personal development. You’ll also continue to be supported towards gaining professional registration.

Depending on the placements you are allocated to, hybrid working may be available but there is an expectation that employees will be in the workplace on a regular basis.

As part of this role you’ll be providing support to engineering staff across the business assisting with technical activities, while continually developing yourself.

You’ll be involved in the following:

• Undertaking a structured technical training programme based around our platforms and systems to develop capabilities in a defence context
• Solving engineering problems through the in-service life of the equipment and developing upgrades to ensure it continues to provide the battle-winning “edge” our customers need
• Delivering engineering products/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience and adding value to the team and wider business

We have a range of exciting opportunities available within the following Engineering and Science disciplines:

• Maritime / Nuclear Engineer (13 roles)
• Nuclear Scientist or similar (7 roles)

Your CV must demonstrate the following essential criteria:
You must already have a minimum of 2.2 in an Engineering or Science related Honours Degree (or equivalent).

Due to the secure nature of positions, posts will be reserved for UK Nationals only and may require you to obtain DV clearance once in post.

For more information on Civil Service nationality rules please see the attached candidate information pack.

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

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

• EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques (awareness level)
• EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance (awareness level)

A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Flexible working arrangements so that your work fits in with your lifestyle

25 days holiday a year, increasing one day a year to 30 days after five years

A competitive remuneration package

Use of our on-site facilities

A huge variety of high street discounts and savings

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 : SDA Technical Graduate Team
• Email : sda-td-cect-nuc-grapp@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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