DNO – Replacement Warhead Engineering Safety 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. 

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 UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future. 

This post can be based in Bristol, Aldermaston or MOD Main Building. Regular travel to other sites around the UK, especially AWE Aldermaston, will be required.

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.

This post is placed within the Replacement Warhead Programme (RWP), which is responsible for enabling the UK’s replacement nuclear warhead to be successfully designed, manufactured, and fielded. You would be joining a dynamic team and be working closely with partners across the UK and internationally. This post reports to the Surety Assistant Head and is responsible for delivering technical safety and integration programme aspects associated with the programme and warhead design options. 

The post holder would undertake the role of MOD intelligent customer as the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) develop key safety requirements and management arrangements documentation. This includes reviewing draft versions of documents and advising on future safety management decisions. You would play a key role in assessing safety feature design solutions and the evidence needed to support procurement decisions. 

You will act as a lead for assessing the Nuclear Safety Theme against which the replacement nuclear warhead is designed and assessed, and work with the Engineering Lead to check this is in line with requirements, standards and customer requirements. 

The post holder will get the opportunity to work with various stakeholders. You will liaise with UK safety regulators and manage the planning and preparation of the UK/US safety related warhead engagement activities, required to ensure that the UK is able to align to a US programme.

Responsibilities

Develop safety themes, evidence and assessments against design options 

• Develop safety themes, evidence and assessments against design options, while ensuring an appropriate balance between the demonstration of tolerability and ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) and the ability to meet the deterrent objectives relating to performance, reliability and effectiveness.
• Engage with the wider Nuclear Weapon Enterprise (including International Partners) to understand the interface arrangements and the management of safety information between stakeholders. Identify the areas which require key critical safety analysis to uphold safe operations and develop an architecture which will be implemented across the enterprise, with hazards associated to identified risks managed & reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Ensure the consequences of identified safety risks are adequately managed and reduced and identify solutions that can be delivered within the cost and timescale targets. 

Safety Management System development 

• Establish, develop and maintain a safety management system for the replacement warhead programme and specific design features, which includes a model-based safety case and is consistent with the in-service warhead approach.
• Ensure that the appropriate safety standards, legislation and safety publications are considered.
• Engage with wider Nuclear Weapon Enterprise (NWE) to understand management of warhead safety information across lifecycles and develop a management plan which will ensure key safety information can be managed across the enterprise successfully and unequivocally. 

Development of Nuclear Warhead safety technology options 

• Use subject matter experience and knowledge of Nuclear Weapon safety principles & criteria to lead the development and assessment of nuclear warhead safety technology options. Deliver suitable and useable evidence to inform and support the major UK procurement decisions and ensure compliance with applicable safety legislation, regulations and requirements.

Qualifications

• Level 4 or above qualification in a technical discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a technical field

Skills

• Experience working on safety in a complex programme

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Formal qualification in project or programme management (e.g., MSP)
• Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course
• Z6 course
• AWE Intermediate Warhead Safety Course (IWSC)

Desirable Skills

• Experience working directly on the nuclear warhead programme on the following: Re-entry body and warhead sub-system design, development, qualification, and integration.
• A detailed understanding of Nuclear warhead safety
• A good understanding of the importance of compatibility with the wider deterrent system.
• Experience in programme and project management; project controls; business continuity awareness
• Experience working within the nuclear weapons programme

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

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Seeing the Big Picture

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

• Nuclear 1.1: Nuclear Safety and Safety Culture
• Nuclear 1.2: Nuclear Safety Management Systems

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

• Nuclear 1.1: Nuclear Safety and Safety Culture

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

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

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

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