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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Science
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About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdoms (UK) national security?
Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.
The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UKs nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.
The UKs independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines known as the Dreadnought Class and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.
Here at DNO we truly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, skills, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. If this sounds like the organisation for you then come and join us and be part of something that can make a positive impact on the world.
Within DNO, the Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UKs strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.
The Warhead Directorate has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post is based in Reading.
The post sits within the Warhead Capability Technical team. The Warhead Capability team is responsible for providing strategic planning of capability requirements over a range of epochs, providing technical advice on the Defence Nuclear Warhead Programme, and administration of the Mutual Defence Agreement that enables nuclear co-operation with the US.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
Engineering Scientists provide specialist engineering/scientific expertise to DNO and oversee AWEs science & technology programme; this ensures that the continued safety, performance, and serviceability of the nuclear weapon system is maintained, and that mission critical outputs are delivered within time and quality expectations.
There are three Engineering Scientists in the team; 1 x C1 and 2 x C2. The specific expertise for each role will be considered when a post becomes vacant as the team needs to remain agile to support the mission.
The SEO C1 is responsible for providing specialist knowledge to the capability function to meet the demands of the programme and for developing, maintaining and overseeing technical elements of the agreed long-term S&T programme in support of the UK Nuclear Deterrent programme.
Each HEO C2 is responsible for providing specialist knowledge in the capability team to meet the demands of the programme and for supporting both SEO C1 activities and smaller technical elements of the Science and Technology Programme conducted by AWE.
The post currently being advertised is;
- Engineering Scientist 1b Nuclear Warhead Design & Certification Hardness and Vulnerability/Experimental Campaigns
This post will be responsible for highlighting the impacts of technical projects to current and future nuclear weapon programmes, participating in reporting of technical deliverables to the wider DNO community, identifying de-risking opportunities and exploitation points.
The team provide technical subject matter expertise to colleagues in the wider nuclear enterprise, including within and external to the DNO. Also with industrial and academic stakeholders and colleagues from the conventional weapons domain, providing technical guidance and input to in-service and future capabilities.
We are looking for candidates with a background and real interest in engineering who can bring their skills and enthusiasm to this unique environment.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application
Person specification
Qualifications
- Level 6 (or higher) qualification in a physical science or engineering subject, or can demonstrate an equivalent level of relevant experience.
- Member of a relevant Professional Engineering / Science Institute or equivalent body with a recognised route to chartered status, or ability to obtain within 12 months of taking up the post
Skills
- 2 years experience equivalent to a graduate training scheme or IPD 1.
Desirable Qualifications
- Completed the Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course (NWFC) or equivalent
- Z6 – Nuclear Weapon Familiarisation.
- AWE Warhead Technology Awareness Modules
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of project management techniques.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme (Nuc 2.2)
- Nuclear weapons systems and components concept, assessment, design for modifications and life extension (Nuc 4.2)
- Nuclear Weapon Effects, Performance,and Effectiveness, Deployment and Mission Planning Nuc 4.3.
Benefits
£9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:
- Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- 25 days annual leave, raising to 30 days following 5 years service (+ 8 days bank and public holidays), with family friendly benefits including improved maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
- Thank You Scheme
- Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
- Defence Discount Service
- Some of our sites have on-site gyms, restaurants, cafes, nurseries and more.
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.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.
Candidates have 1000 words for a personal statement where they should focus on how their skills and experience meet the requirements of this role.
Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.
Your interviews will be sifted based on the following behaviours
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
As well as the technical skills outlined in this Vacancy
*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview*
Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.
The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.
Due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MOD.
No application can be accepted after the closing date.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality Requirements – Further Information for Candidates
- This post is classed as Reserved as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a UK National can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.
Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts
4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
a) departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.
5, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons.
DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk
[1] Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.
The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : DNO-External Recruitment
- Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Further information
