Job description for Naval Architect

Are you a naval architect inspired to work on cutting-edge defence projects? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA). Here, you’ll be at the forefront of naval architecture, solving unique technical challenges and collaborating with our partners to introduce new methods and technologies in support of Royal Navy submarines.

In this role, you will lead the development of Submarine Naval Architecture, working with research and development organisations and international partners to enhance engineering capabilities for submarine projects. You will also be responsible for updating and maintaining defence standards and guidance. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in providing second-party assurance for defence shipping, particularly in the areas of Submarine Manoeuvring & Control and Stability.

Your exceptional communication and influencing skills will be essential in building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the flow of critical information for these projects. This position offers wide exposure to various areas of our business, both industry and international, providing you with opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career while supporting the maintenance of defence standards, operational guidance, and analysis tools.

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required (this is expected to be a minimum of 40%) to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A ‘sole UK national’ refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We’re unable to offer visa sponsorship.

This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you’ve been recruited for. If it isn’t obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn’t obtained within 12 months.

What you’ll be doing

• Assure the safety of platforms and manage naval architecture key hazard certification
• Undertake analysis to inform design decisions, and ensure the provision of safe, capable submarines to the Royal Navy
• Become a technical leader on naval architecture issues across the enterprise including Industry, Royal Navy and wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise stakeholders
• Engage with and maintain relationships with international partners
• Conduct general engineering manager activities such as contract change, approvals, finance management to support the project as required

Person specification

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

• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• Technical experience in naval architecture
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or be able to achieve within 9 months

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

• Application of Analytical Techniques (Practitioner)
• Technical Decision Making (Practitioner)
• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £14,050 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 27%
• 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

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/SDA-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

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. When two (or more) candidates are on equal interview scores, positions will be offered based on the scores assessed at interview, in this order – 1st) Technical competence, 2nd) CV Review, 3rd) Behaviour one, 4th) Behaviour two.

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