DE&S Junior Weapons Engineer

We are Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). We manage a vast range of projects to supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver essential defence programmes – and strive for what’s next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe, now and in the future.

Across our 12,500-strong organisation, we support all our people to be at their very best, fostering a family-friendly approach to flexible and hybrid working. After all, support is in our name.

Are you an Engineer who is passionate about the defence of the United Kingdom and looking to develop your skills? At Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), we’re looking for Junior Weapons Engineers to join our teams. We’re dedicated to supporting our people to learn, progress, and take that next career step – so let us know your ambitions and we’ll be with you every step of the way. This is a brilliant opportunity to launch your career in Weapons Engineering and take on a meaningful and rewarding role supporting UK Defence.

You will be joining our Weapons Operating Centre which encompasses munitions and weapon systems ranging from small calibre ammunition through to strategic missile systems supplied to all of the UK’s military customers. The Weapons Systems team covers all areas of Ordnance Munitions and Explosives (OME) and Lasers across Air, Land and Sea domains. You could be working first hand with rocket launch systems, laser technology and fire control systems.

DE&S is also responsible for procuring much of the UK military support being sent to Ukraine. During 22/23, DE&S has procured £1.3 billion of equipment and support for Ukraine – the UK’s largest movement of ammunition since the Second World War. The UK was the first European country to provide weapons to Ukraine. With the conflict in Ukraine now in its second year, it is critical that DE&S continues to assist the Ukrainians with the sustainment of their battle-winning equipment. This is even more important as the Ukrainian counter offensive begins. Our weapons engineers are pivotal in ensuring the equipment provided is safe and suitable for its service use by UK and Ukrainian forces.

You choose your location:

• MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol
• Defence Munitions Beith, Ayrshire
• MOD Boscombe Down, Salisbury
• Defence Munitions Gosport, Hampshire

Regardless of which location you choose, there will be at least monthly travel to Bristol required. If Bristol is not your Permanent Duty Station, travel costs will be accommodated. There will be regular domestic travel to other UK sites involved and the potential for international travel.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, witnessing and execution of trials for platforms or Ordnance Munitions and Explosives (OME)
• Work directly with our military customers to develop and manage technical requirements
• Provide professional technical advice, guidance, and platform/equipment support to stakeholders within and outside DE&S which may include support on OME
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Engineering developments, technical standards, policy and opportunities for application within the business
• Ensure that DE&S and other MOD customers comply with statutory and MOD regulations, safety standards and best practice, supporting delivery teams in the assessment and management of Land/OME Safety risk
• Identify, assess and exploit emergent technologies to support the delivery of cutting-edge capability

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a HNC (i.e., Level 4 or higher) qualification in a relevant engineering or science discipline or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience
• Experience of providing technical advice and delivery of successful engineering outcomes
• Experience with system/equipment/project safety

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Application of Analytical Techniques (Supervised Practitioner)
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance (Supervised Practitioner)
• Communicating and influencing
• Making effective decisions

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

We believe in creating an inclusive environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the ways in which it enriches our culture and our work. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of. And if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

More information can be found below:

• DE&S Little Book of Big Benefits: https://bit.ly/3FEb54v
• Further Information: https://bit.ly/3K26Xhl
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/3yUwcM1

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Job contact :

• Name : Iustina Onisor – DE&S Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Email : Iustina.Onisor100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Iustina.Onisor100@mod.gov.uk