Welcome to Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). On this page, discover who we are, what we stand for, and what makes this a truly exciting place to work. Find out more about our organisation and the types of roles we’re recruiting for too!
As an integral part of UK defence, we’re here to ensure that every individual in the military is fully equipped and protected, as they protect life at home and overseas. We support those on the front line by providing smarter tech. Vehicles that go further, and faster. Newer, more effective equipment for land, sea, and air. As you’d imagine, it takes all kinds of expertise, from Engineering to HR, to make that happen. So whatever your background, whatever your skillset – if you’re driven to set new standards, find your place at DE&S. Read on to find out more.
Discover more about the wide range of areas we’re recruiting for right now.
Project Delivery
Work across a fascinating £178 billion programme for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Help deliver anything from future robotics to next generation armoured vehicles.
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Engineering
Join our engineering specialists in designing some of the most advanced defence equipment in the world. Be the critical component in modern, battle-winning technologies.
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Commercial
Take on a purchasing or contract management role to equip and support our military customers. Play a vital role that supports disaster relief, reconstruction, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.
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Operational Delivery
Be part of the team helping to sustain military capability for our armed forces. Ensure the smooth running of everything from maintenance to supply chain management.
Learn moreFind out more about life and opportunities in Corporate Services, Finance & Accounting, HR and Information Management & IT.
What We offer
Here, you’ll enjoy a range of initiatives that help you feel supported, personally and professionally, at every step of your career.
Career Development
The sky’s the limit. We’ll give you the tools you need to grow, with our leadership development schemes, mentoring, coaching, qualifications, secondments and online learning resources.
Funding for Qualifications
Get paid to get qualified. With our support, you could gain a fully-funded professional qualification or membership of a professional association, related to your career path.
Staff Support Networks
Here to empower you. With inspiring allies and thought leaders, our networks will ensure you’re part of important conversations and communities at DE&S, helping you feel you belong.
Flexible Working
The right balance for everyone. Depending on your role and where you join us, you might be eligible for hybrid working, which means we can work together to find a balance between home and office working that suits everyone.
Our Thinking
From Accounting and Procurement, to Project Delivery and Engineering, our people are striving to lead. They want to be best-in-class at what they do. So, if you’ve got big ambitions for your future, there’s a path for you at DE&S. It’s why we truly believe your ambition leads here. This means lots of things, for lots of different people. And that’s why we say, as part of our team, you can lead for the nation, lead change, lead in inclusion and lead your own way. Find out where your ambition could take you and learn what this means to some of our people, below.
Lead for the nation
Everything we do helps to protect the people who protect the nation, wherever they are in the world. It’s what drives and unites each and every one of us. It’s a purpose we’re incredibly proud of. And it’s why our work is vital: it impacts the UK’s security, stability and prosperity. So at DE&S, you’ll find a place where everybody – at every level – works towards a common goal, with the same dedication, passion and commitment.
[ Case Study ]
Delivering the world-leading Protector aircraft
For the UK’s armed forces, remotely-piloted aircraft are vital. Why? Because they can be flown from afar, keeping crews away from the front line as they undertake Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. One such aircraft is Protector: a cutting-edge system we’ve helped to deliver for the RAF, capable of flying up to 40 hours anywhere in the world, all while being operated from the UK.
It’s the first of its kind: a fully-certified, remotely-piloted air system that’s able to fly in civilian airspace, meaning it can also be used to support operations such as search and rescue. Then there’s all the ground-breaking tech – Protector is controlled entirely over satellite link and has next-generation equipment on board. So yes, it may be a world-first, but for us, it’s just the start of much, much more.
Modern innovation is about collaboration: learning lessons from each other, and sharing knowledge and experience. The difference for us is that, by being innovative and delivering world-leading capabilities, we’re keeping people in the armed forces safe.”James Head of the Future Capability Group
Lead Change
Innovation is right at the heart of what we do at DE&S. Because it’s only by procuring the most advanced equipment that we can keep those on the front line at the top of their game. That’s why we stay inventive and create positive change. We don’t settle for the status quo – we look ahead to what’s next, challenge ourselves to raise the bar even higher, and then work together to make it all a reality.
[ Case Study ]
Revolutionising UK military robotics
How do we help give the UK military an operational edge? By bringing together experts from across defence, government, industry and academia, to explore and harness the power of robotics and autonomous systems. Think nano-drones that can fly into hostile environments for surveillance, keeping soldiers out of harm’s way. Or uncrewed ground vehicles that can deliver vital supplies to the front line. Even robotic platoon vehicles that can safely navigate tricky terrains entirely on their own.
It’s a brilliant example of how our teams find novel solutions, think differently, work agilely, and innovate – digging deep into emerging technologies that could be developed to make our armed forces stronger than ever before.
We encourage everyone, at every level, to think big. Because we can’t sit still at DE&S. We have to constantly adapt and change to make sure we’re giving future soldiers what they need, and keeping them safe.”Suzy Future Capability Group Project Lead
Leading in inclusion
Every day, we support our people to reach for the best they can be. How? By making sure everyone feels heard, valued and empowered – championing an inclusive environment that’s truly welcoming to all. It’s by recognising and respecting different voices, skills and backgrounds that we’re able to make brilliant things happen, and it’s how, ultimately, we can be stronger together.
[ Case Study ]
Removing barriers for neurodivergent candidates
Partnering with the National Autistic Society, we developed and piloted our Autistic Hiring Programme to remove the barriers neurodivergent candidates might face during the job application process. We wanted to offer a tailored process so candidates with autism were better supported to illustrate their key strengths, such as methodical thinking or a high level of attention to detail, compared to a typical assessment process.
That started with tweaking the job advert, adopting a more direct communication style and redefining the requirements candidates needed to meet. Then, with practical skills assessments, we saw candidates come to life as they completed tasks that gave an insight into what they’d actually be doing here. We also filmed an office tour, so they could better understand our working environment and make sure it was right for them. We’re now starting to use the programme to hire for certain roles, and it’s all part of how we’re working towards building an even more inclusive workplace – a commitment that we all share.
It means a lot to be involved in this initiative. We're breaking down barriers for people and it feels like we're doing something really different, which is very rewarding. I'm proud to be part of an organisation that values inclusivity so highly – everyone's just so passionate about it.”Holly Talent Acquisition Manager
Lead your own way
We encourage everybody to tread their own unique career path, and to develop in a way that’s personal to them. Whatever your ambitions, whatever your interests, if you’ve got the drive, we’ll help you achieve the things you want. So whether it's a career switch, studying for an industry-recognised certification, or finding that balance between work and home life, we'll always support you and your goals. Because at DE&S, you’re in the driving seat: you lead your own way.
One of the great things about working here is that if you want to try something different, you have the freedom to do so. I made the leap from HR to Project Controls, and I’ve found there’s a massive amount of time and resource invested in upskilling colleagues. I’ve done both formal and on-the-job training, and now I’m aiming to gain a professional qualification too, which will be completely funded by DE&S.”Gaurang Project Planning and Scheduling Specialist
You’re encouraged to pursue your own goals: in my case, becoming a Chartered Engineer. There’s a focus on your professional development, with plenty of support to attend conferences, learn new skills, or gain qualifications. I really value the sheer number of opportunities here – and they’re the kind of opportunities you just won’t find anywhere else.”Aditee Engineering Manager
So there you have it – a taster of life and work at DE&S.
Now there’s only one question: are you ready to lead?