Military Aviation Authority – Design Approvals Lead (Weapons and OME) (C1/SEO)

The Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS) team provides the assurance of organizations involved in the design, development, and modification of equipment in the Defence Air Environment. We work with a diverse portfolio, ranging from fast jets and helicopters to uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS / RPAS). This also includes weapons, countermeasures, engines, and life-saving equipment. Our role is to ensure that these organizations adhere to the regulations and utilise recognised standards and practices whilst incorporating innovative technology.

We are seeking an experienced individual to join our dynamic team. In this role you will take ownership of leading a portfolio of approximately 25 organizations predominantly involved in the development of weapons and countermeasures and located across the UK and USA. You will lead on audits and assessments to ensure compliance with UK Military Regulations and the safe development of their equipment. We’ll provide the training to develop you into an Auditor, enabling you to effectively undertake your responsibilities. You’ll have the authority and autonomy to deliver objectives while remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for the delivery of the DAOS assurance plan

We also provide excellent personal and professional development opportunities, and staff have the opportunity to join our vibrant social and entertainment program throughout the year!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

As the Design Approvals Lead, you’ll be responsible for leading on the planning, preparation, conduct and reporting of DAOS assurance activities. This involves conducting audits and assessments through a combination of desktop reviews and on-site visits, requiring occasional travel to various locations across the UK and internationally. Your primary focus will be evaluating organizations’ compliance with MAA Regulations (RA1000 and RA5000 Series) and assuring the use of design processes that lead to equipment that is safe to operate. You will produce audit reports, issue findings, maintain assurance records, engage with counterparts, and provide briefings to internal management. In cases where significant equipment or safety risks are identified, you will manage any necessary enforcement action.

Additionally, the team review and provide recommendations on applications for deviations to regulations. Inevitably, team members develop expertise in the role, related to design processes, standards, policies, and regulations, and will be able to guide colleagues within the MAA and across Defence. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the application of the newest technology in innovative development projects and support crafting future regulations to ensure their effectiveness.

How does the MAA fit into Defence?

Part of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), the MAA is the organization responsible for the regulation, surveillance, inspection, and assurance of Defence Aviation. We ensure the safe design and use of military Air Systems. As the single Authority responsible for regulating all aspects of Air Safety across Defence, the MAA has full oversight of all Defence aviation activity. Through independent audit and continuous surveillance, the MAA strives to provide the Director General DSA (DG DSA), the critical assurance that appropriate safety standards are being maintained, whilst delivering operational capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the planning, preparation, conduct and reporting of Design assurance activity, including conducting audits.
• Manage a portfolio of Organizations, including preparation of new and updates of existing Design Approvals.
• Scrutinise company documents and procedures to ensure the implementation of safe and coherent design processes.
• Resolve findings directly with Senior Industry Personnel to drive effective change in the design and development of their products.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engage in the development and review of MAA regulations and policies, influencing changes to reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Support the overall outputs of the team, including those of the wider MAA, to improve the delivery of our services across Defence.
• Line management of 1x C2/HEO team member.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Alternative working patterns can be considered, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

The ideal applicant should have an engineering background in the design or development of military (or civil) aviation equipment. Prior auditing experience is desirable, although tailored training will be provided to develop you as a Lead Auditor.

Professional registration (or the ability to achieve this) to Incorporated Engineer status is also desirable.

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

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

• Airworthiness Competence Set: Core Function: 1.1 to 1.5
• Airworthiness Competence Set: Core Function: 1.1 to 1.5

The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:

• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days leave per year!
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• Flexi-time scheme (after 6 months)
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Hybrid working is supported on an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of expected attendance in the workplace (at MOD Abbey Wood North) and working from home to meet business needs and with management approval.

At the DSA, we are committed to equal employment opportunities and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer recruiting solely based on merit; we strive to eradicate bias and search for all types of talent. We work diligently to ensure every social group can feel included; our dedication to diversity is evident across our organization and reflects our vision of encouraging an inclusive workforce that harnesses the power of difference to safeguard our nation’s security and stability.

We’ll also ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request further information.

Please note that this role does not offer relocation expenses.

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 : Arminder Sahota
• Email : DSA-MAA-Cert-DAOS@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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