Job description for Systems Engineer

Are you ready to take your career to the next level and work on some of the UK’s most vital Defence projects? If so, the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) are looking for an experienced and motivated Systems Engineer to join our Combat Systems Delivery Team (CSDT). In joining us, you will integrate with highly skilled professionals to support some of largest and most complex engineering programmes in the world. You will work at the forefront of marine technology and latest platforms to oversee engineering challenges unique to this industry, whilst contributing to project success and providing support to the Royal Navy.

The defence partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS), will see the first generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines built in the UK equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare and strike missions. The aim is to successfully develop and demonstrate a range of underwater capabilities that are crucial to ensuring safety and security in the region and more broadly. Under the CSDT, the Common Combat System Future project has been tasked to deliver the Combat System’s Common Computing Environment and Weapon Interfacing Equipment.

You will lead the design, development, integration and testing of applications. This role requires a proactive and innovative approach to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality solutions. You will engage in close collaboration with cross-functional international teams, leveraging diverse expertise to define, analyse, and meticulously document system requirements. This collaborative effort is crucial to ensure that all new developments are seamlessly aligned with existing submarine systems, maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability. In addition to technical skills, strong communication and project management abilities are essential, as you will be coordinating with various stakeholders to drive projects forward and achieve strategic objectives. Your leadership will be pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.

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

• Lead the design and engineering integration of combat systems applications including the insertion of US technology
• Lead the delivery of Guide to Engineering Activities and Reviews (GEAR) documentation and management of processes
• Review technical test procedures, performance specifications, and oversee integration tests
• Support the Project Manager on the review of bids, proposals, analysis, and report writing
• Provide input to Project Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies, Opportunities (RAIDO), schedule updates and governance reporting
• Support of AUKUS trilateral working group meetings*

*It should be noted these meetings are held at a time suitable to support trilateral working, this will include out of hours working during wintertime. In addition, some international travel may be required to support the project.

Person specification

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

• You will hold a relevant Level 4 (HNC or higher) qualification or demonstrate the equivalent experience
• Hold professional registration at Chartered Engineer status or higher, or demonstrate suitable equivalent experience to achieve this within 9 months
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with knowledge and application of Systems Engineering approaches

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

• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance – Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making – Practitioner
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,210 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.