NAVY- MCTA Combat Management Systems Trial Engineer

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your engineering skills in direct support of the Royal Navy (RN) front line? The RN Maritime Capability, Trials and Assessment (MCTA) organisation is looking for hard-working engineers and technicians to join our highly professional team of Trials Officers to go onboard ships in harbour and at sea, around UK and occasionally overseas, to inspect RN Combat Management Systems in readiness for operations worldwide. This trials officer role is an exciting one conducting inspections on the sophisticated Combat and Information systems in RN warships, from the DNA system, through to the OPNET system on T23 Frigates, T45 Destroyers and Queen Elizabeth Class. There are also opportunities to get involved in future RN ships and technologies, such as the new T26 and T31 frigates. 

MCTA is a fast-paced team of Military and Civil Servants led by a Royal Navy Captain, who face a constantly evolving vista of work carrying out assessment and assurance of equipment on aircraft carriers, warships, and smaller military vessels. 

This role would suit applicants of an engineering / technical background with an interest in maintaining standards in Combat and Information Systems and associated equipment, with opportunities to broaden into other equipment’s and systems assessed by MCTA. For external applicants the post is available as a permanent Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) civilian position.

The position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

This role delivers the duties of an MCTA Trials Officer for all relevant system related activities, including the maintenance of professional standards through training and development to deliver trials assessments as required by NCHQ, DE&S and Naval Authority. This needs to be supported by the ability to work independently, and good leadership and communication skills that have been proven in a team working environment. This is a challenging but rewarding role that also provides the opportunity for personal development and the ability to improve and progress your career.

Whilst based in Victory Building in Portsmouth, the role is required to visit other locations around the UK and on occasions abroad to conduct assurance visits and progress meetings. Weekend working and nights away at sea and in other locations may be required.

The main tasks of the Trials Officers are:

To be capable of:

• conducting inspections as a professional engineer with an extensive knowledge of the operation and performance of the systems relevant to the role.
• applying general engineering perspective to all trials.
• compiling trials related defect lists, discussing with the shipbuilder/refitting authority/ ship to establish content, priority, and liability.
• attending post trials meetings to assist in the agreement of responsibilities for defect rectification and outstanding trials, and to acquaint those authorities concerned with the assessment, conclusion, and subsequent actions necessary to complete those inspections and trials.
• leading and assisting in the compilation of Trials Reports on completion of trials, including proofing of section trial reports before sending for staffing.
• providing advice on trial contents and conducts to relevant authorities and ship staffs.
• conducting trials beyond the role’s primary area in support of the wider Weapons Systems group (WS Group) on, once qualified, other systems covered by the Sensors Systems team including new systems being introduced into service, or (again once qualified) on other systems covered by WS Group.
• interacting with a wide range of authorities and personnel to resolve problems and ensure that current MOD policies are followed in the conduct of day-to-day business.

The post holder is expected to have an informed opinion on matters that affect MCTA and the Directorate as a whole and contribute to initiatives to improve the conduct and cost of business activities.

Defence Engineers – Give it all you are

My Lived Experience as a Civilian Defence Engineer

Applicant will be required to hold a minimum HNC / D or equivalent in Electronic or Electrical Engineering

 Person must hold a Manual UK Driving Licence

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

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service plus Bank Holidays
• A very competitive pension scheme
• Personal & professional development tailored to your role
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Cycle to work scheme/season ticket loans
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

In MCTA, we understand the everyday commitments both inside and outside the workplace, so our aim is to provide the flexibility to maintain a great work-life balance. We also offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including access to a gymnasium within the Naval Base, Cafe Neo coffee shop in Victory Building, a small local convenience store nearby, free car parking, and the option of membership of HMS NELSON Wardroom Mess.

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months – 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

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 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.

Please note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

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 by 31st December 2022. 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 several Defence Establishments.

Job contact :

• Name : Andy Rhodes
• Email : andrew.rhodes669@mod.uk
• Telephone : 03001653746

Recruitment team

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