Job description for Software Acquisition Engineer

Are you ready to make a real impact in Defence? Join us as a Software Acquisition Engineer, being a part of the largest software acquisition in UK Ministry of Defence history. This ground-breaking programme encompasses not only the core platform but also cutting-edge Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) and all ground-based systems, including mission planning, maintenance, training, and digital twins.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering all components of the Support Solutions Envelope related to Programmable Elements. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative programme shaping the future of defence technology. You will be involved providing and overseeing technical risk management to ensure effective management of the FCAS/GCAP Through Life Capability. You will plan engineering activities using the Guide to Engineering Activities and Review (GEAR), developing and maintaining all required artefacts related to Programmable Elements within the Support Solutions Envelope. You will also develop and deliver the Software Support Plan in alignment with the Support Solutions Envelope, Software Support, and Associated Licensing.

As part of this role, you will lead and manage a team of engineers to achieve objectives in accordance with the approved Support Solutions Envelope and resourced schedule. Ensuring the engineering team operates safely and professionally will be a key responsibility, as will collaborating with the Engineering Profession to secure suitably qualified and experienced personnel. You will establish and maintain the cost base for Programmable Elements Through Life Support and provide first-party assurance against JSP 935 objectives, the Software Acquisition Management Plan, the Software Support Plan, and supplier Management Plans, policies, and procedures.

We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required (this is expected to be approximately 60% of your working week) however this can depend on the demands of the role and could vary. to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance and business need. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

• Develop and maintain policy and process to satisfy the corporate standard JSP 935 for Software Acquisition Management.
• Identify and analyse software acquisition risk reduction measures, ensuring that these are adequately documented and managed.
• Working in a highly regulated area, educate others with relevant legislation, regulation, policy, processes, and standards to deliver technical documentation for a sub-system. This includes the essential relation to quality, safety, security, and sustainability, of the system, and the interoperability with other sub-systems.
• Accountable for the Software Support Plan (SSP) and the software supportability self-assessment required to satisfy the Governing Policy (GP) 2.11, within the Support Solution Development Tool (SSDT).
• Manage stakeholders and collaborate and manage trade-offs with other sub-system teams and specialists, over technical requirements, and design compromises, to maximise successful system implementation and delivery.
• Lead technical software assurance activities within the limit of your technical discipline.
• Provides informed software acquisition engineering advice to decision makers.

Person specification

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

• Have a wide ranging depth and breadth of experience of providing technical advice and delivery of successful software acquisition, engineering or computer science outcomes
• Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics based qualification at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 4; and
• Be professionally registered or intend to be professionally registered with a relevant Professional body/institution related to your discipline, as either:
  • Advanced Registered IT Technician (Adv RITTech) or
  • Registered Scientist (RSci) or
  • Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Note: Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.
• Applied experience developing and implementing Software Acquisition Management Plans and other artefacts related to software acquisition engineering
• An understanding of Programmable Elements safety in a defence environment, e.g. DEF STAN 00-055

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

• Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions
• Core Behaviour 2: Changing and Improving
• Technical Competence 1: Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking Practitioner
• Technical Competence 2: Supportable Technical Solutions Practitioner

 Offered Benefits

• 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.’

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 (CV Review) 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 1
• 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