DNO – Warhead Tooling Quality Manager

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (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 UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters. 

The UK’s 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 strongly 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, 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. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world. 

The Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s 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 will be based in both Burghfield (Reading) and Aldermaston (Reading).

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As part of the Engineering Management Team, the successful candidate will ensure that component production at the Conventional Manufacturing Tech Centre, and their use at the Assembly Tech Centre meets DNO’s requirements through on-site observation, reporting and close collaboration with AWE staff. The candidate will also ensure any warhead assembly and disassembly processes involving nuclear components and tooling is fit for purpose. 

Your primary role will be working closely with AWE day-to-day to ensure that they produce a quality warhead, safely and securely to support the nation’s deterrent. You will work under the direction of the DNO Engineering Management Assistant Head, alongside other Engineering Managers. You will advise a wide array of stakeholders on issues and opportunities to help the Nuclear Enterprise make informed decisions.

Due to security constraints, this post is exempt from hybrid working requests. Requests for flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered but may be limited. Candidates should consider this and must discuss with recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Responsibilities:

• Oversight of Conventional Manufacturing Tech Centre operations, including production, packing and qualification activities.
• Formal observations of production to ensure AWE is manufacturing warhead components against safety, performance and quality criteria set by DNO.
• Formal observations of assembly and disassembly of complete warheads to ensure the process meets requirements.
• Identifying non-conformances and pro-actively seeking their resolution to ensure a quality output from AWE.
• Understand and track trends in defects during component manufacture to inform corrective and preventative actions.
• Represent DNO at both routine and non-routine production meetings to ensure DNO’s requirements are met on any resolution AWE propose to issues.
• Understand the timely status of component production and how this compares with MoD’s programmatic requirements.

Qualifications:

HND/HNC or higher in a STEM field

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of collaborating across functional and organisational boundaries
• Experience in a production environment
• Experience relating to nuclear technology
• Knowledge of Nuclear Warhead systems and their acquisition – Please note, if you do not have nuclear experience, conventional component/design/system acceptance is suitable to evidence during the application process

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

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

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

• Nuc 5.3 – Nuclear Weapon Acquisition and Acceptance

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.

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Job contact :

• Name : DNO-External Recruitment
• Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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