At Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), we are seeking complex Engineering and Craft Operatives to join our team at Defence Munitions (DM) Beith. This site is vital for defence, supplying and maintaining many of the weapon systems used by the UK military to protect national interests globally. Joining Defence Munitions means becoming part of a family of skilled and experienced civil servants dedicated to delivering essential equipment and munitions to our military customers, ranging from bullets, shells, and flares to high-calibre ammunition and targeted weapons systems.

In this role, you’ll become an expert in inspecting, servicing, and repairing equipment that ensures the UK Armed Forces remain at the top of their game. You’ll work within a multi-disciplined team on our site, receiving extensive on-the-job training. This training may include fibre optic splicing, gas turbine engine refurbishment, pressure system maintenance, electrical maintenance and repair/modification of electrical equipment dependant on your allocated role.

You’ll be responsible for delivering production and engineering outputs for complex weapons systems. Collaborating with a team of experienced technicians, you’ll perform in various engineering processes such as assembly, preparation, and testing of complex weapons and their associated support equipment. Many of these weapon systems utilise cutting-edge components and technology, making your role crucial in delivering this battle-winning capability.

Please note the following before applying:

• You may also be required to travel in support of weapon trials to other Defence Munitions and DE&S locations, both within the UK and abroad. Reasonable notice will be provided, with flexibility and a family-friendly approach in mind. Travel and subsistence costs will be covered.
• Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply, due to the Explosive Handling Regulations.
• A full medical check is required before taking up the post, and the job offer will be contingent on its outcome.
• The standard hours for the position are 37 per week, Monday – Thursday 07:45 – 16:30, and Friday 07:45 – 12:45. Occasionally, paid overtime may be available depending on business needs.

 What you’ll be doing

• Carrying out a range of production and engineering operations, following safe systems of work to deliver planned monthly outputs that follow controlled processing documentation, ensuring production and maintenance output targets are achieved to very high quality and safety standards.
• Providing advice on a range of complex technical solutions, with a ‘continuous improvement’ mindset.
• Ensuring all activities are carried out in accordance with relevant statutory and operation safety standards, ensuring any risks are ‘As Low as Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP).
• Championing and exemplifying our excellent Safety Culture.
• Working within a multi-disciplined team on a range of equipment, communicating clearly and effectively to ensure a diverse range of goals and objectives are achieve in a timely and effective manner.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Completed a recognised apprenticeship in a relevant engineering discipline at Level 3 NVQ/SVQ or equivalent within the specialisation, or equivalent engineering experience suitable to the role.
• Completed an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent academic qualification from a relevant awarding body eg City & Guilds equivalent.
• Experience of working in a production or engineering environment with a solid understanding of engineering practises.
• Experience of following safe systems of work.
• Basic IT literacy and experience of using Microsoft Excel and Word.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Enhancing service support systems – Supervised Practitioner
• Technical Decision making – EFC4 – Supervised Practitioner
• Working together – CSBC2
• Delivering at pace – CSBC2

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,835 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code: The Code – Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Disability Confident:

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Conflicts of Interest:

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the relative importance of the assessed competencies as per the hierarchy below:

• 1st: Core Behaviour 1

• 2nd: Core Behaviour 2

• 3rd: Technical Competencies
• 4th: CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise an additional assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.