Job description for SDA Safety Engineer

Engineering is the largest business function in our organisation – and it’s one of the most fulfilling too. Because it’s only by delivering the most advanced, battle-winning technology 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, with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and minimising environmental impact too. Ready to make an impact that matters to the nation?

You’ll benefit from plenty of opportunities for development, access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications, and a c.27% employer pension contribution. You’ll also have access to a wide range of employee networks, including the Women in Engineering Network, Parents Network, Race & Culture Network, Neuro Inclusivity Network – and many more. We recognise that the best people for the job may have commitments outside of work, so we’re pleased to promote flexible working to support our colleagues in balancing work and home life.

At the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), our teams are looking for Safety Engineers to champion equipment and engineering safety for our Armed Forces. You will have direct contact and consultation with senior management, will impact across multiple facets of the SDA and will gain unrivalled exposure to engineering disciplines and progressive opportunities in engineering.

The SDA delivers to the Royal Navy the most complex manufactured article in existence – The Nuclear Submarine. A nuclear reactor, service personnel, and explosives at proximity, operating in an inhospitable environment means that technical expertise and a commitment to safety are vital to our success. Our work is key in ensuring that the systems and equipment used by front-line command meet design intent and are safe to operate. In these unique roles, you will have safety responsibilities relating to the supply and equipment across all phases of project lifecycles, as well as providing subject matter expertise to ensure that existing systems and equipment undergoing change remain safe.

If you’re passionate about the defence of the United Kingdom, have a good moral compass and a drive to protect people, whilst making positive contributions towards a safe and sustainable future, this could be the career for you!

Please note some attendance to the stated site may be required for this position.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.

Responsibilities for SDA Safety Engineer

In these roles, you will be equipping, supplying, and supporting the Royal Navy with battle winning weapons and ammunition, maintaining the Submarine for continuous at Sea deterrent through safe operational support and environmental protection. You will also be responsible for the following:
• Reviewing and analysing new and existing safety documentation, including safety case reports, and safety management plans
• Assessing impact of equipment changes, safety alerts and safety justifications to support commissioning and approval of equipment
• Advise internal personnel, industry safety teams and senior management on safety and matter
• Deliver audits and support to regulated inspection
• Represent the business at change meetings, plus safety related working groups, committees, and other meetings

What you will be assessed against

To be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
• Hold a HNC (e.g., Level 4 or higher) qualification in a relevant engineering or science discipline, or have equivalent relevant experience
• Have experience in the use of system safety management tools & processes
• Have experience in the provision of safety or technical advice

It will also benefit your application if you are able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
• Experience working in a regulated industry (e.g., oil & gas, defence, nuclear, maritime, rail, or similar)

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
• Good understanding of developing Sys Safety requirements and the principles of System Safety management
• Experience complying with safety requirements, procedures, regulations, and policy
• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and improving

What’s in it for you?

Please note, our salary bands are under review and may increase. If the outcome of the review results in an increase in the minimum salary and your salary offer falls below the new minimum, your salary will be increased to the new amount from your contracted start date. If the new minimum is less than the salary you are offered, the original salary offer will be retained.

Our careers offer stability, training, progression – and much more! Learn more about our benefits and pension schemes.

We’re exploring future ways of working with a flexible and a family-friendly approach in mind. This means that successful candidates may be offered the option of hybrid working, combining working at home with working at their contractual location. Further information relevant to hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post, to find a balance that suits your needs and those of the organisation. Please note that employees are responsible for meeting the cost of their travel to and from work when attending site.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a great place to work that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. To help us do this, we particularly encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, disabled people and people from LGBT communities. By bringing together different ideas, experiences and perspectives, together we can achieve the extraordinary.

Please click the link below to apply for SDA Safety Engineer by creating an account and upload your details.