About the job

Job summary

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security? 

Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation. 

The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters. 

The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.  

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world. 

There are Warhead Group staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading), HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post can be based in HM Naval Base Clyde, Bristol, Reading or London, however regular travel to HM Naval Base Clyde is required.

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

Job description

This post is placed within the Replacement Warhead Programme (RWP), which is responsible for enabling the UK’s replacement nuclear warhead to be successfully designed, manufactured, and fielded. 

This post is responsible for developing and implementing a safety theme and architecture for the Coulport readiness programme, to ensure the appropriate level of safety is considered during the design and development of a Replacement Warhead system capability at Coulport.

The post holder will be based in Royal Navy Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport and get the opportunity to work across DNO and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE); engage with safety regulators and site stakeholders and ensure the UK’s direct involvement with equivalent safety engineering programmes in the US that the UK may align with.

The post holder will work across DNO and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) technical teams; engage with safety regulators and site stakeholders.

The function of the post is to lead the development of the new RW safety case at Coulport as part of the newly established Coulport RW readiness team.

The post will take the lead role in clearly identifying the requirements of the safety case to the site authorisee and approving authority, ensuring all necessary warhead information is provided to ensure the safety of site operations.  

Key deliverables:

• Developing the future RW nuclear weapons Safety Management arrangements at RNAD(C) 
• Developing the safety requirements and the warhead safety case for future warhead operations.
• Ensuring RNAD(C) is compliant with all relevant design requirements, nuclear weapons legislation, and regulations.
• Leading the interface and management of DNO Clyde and all regulatory requirements for RW.

Person specification

Lead the development of the wider Replacement Warhead (RW) safety case

• Write, maintain, and amend the nuclear weapons safety information that will support RW operations at Coulport.
• Lead Hazard Identification and Hazard Analysis studies for the RW nuclear weapon processing activities at Coulport.
• Apply claims, arguments, and evidence to build a nuclear safety case and ensure that facility safety measures are fully substantiated by tasking the appropriate Design Authorities. Specify operational constraints of nuclear weapon systems/components within the safety case. Apply modern methodologies to nuclear weapons safety cases.
• Lead risk reduction demonstrations and workshops on behalf of DNO to ensure that risk associated with nuclear weapons authorised activities have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
• In support of RW readiness review, interpret safety assessments and modifications to the nuclear weapon system and/or components; make appropriate modifications to the site safety case and make credible safety justifications to support staged nuclear weapons approvals.
• Providing safety case input into alignment of current and future nuclear warhead operational activities undertaken at the Coulport site on behalf of DNO.
• Specifying, assessing, and advising on the facility and interfacing equipment arrangements used for in-service support and maintenance of nuclear weapons
• Act as an intelligent customer to ensure that the scope and output from nuclear safety related contracts meet the contract requirements and appropriate standards.

Manage and implement Replacement Warhead nuclear weapons safety management arrangements at RNAD Coulport

• Assist in formulation, implementation, and maintenance of nuclear weapons safety management arrangements at RNAD Coulport and within DNO.
• Actively promote a nuclear safety and security culture, including by engaging with facility operators to ensure hazard awareness with nuclear weapon processing activities. Provide specialist knowledge in support of assessment and investigation of relevant nuclear related accident events.
• Actively co-operate with all nuclear safety and security related audits, inspections and peer reviews.
• Produce and analyse associated RW NW safety documentation to justify operations. Ensure design intent is met and ensure that scope for Replacement Warhead activities is captured.
• Identify and present RW Safety related issues arising to the development and operation of the new RW system design.
• Ensure hazard listing and fault schedules are appropriate for the activities scoped.
• Undertake Safety Class Analysis and appropriate safeguards are identified.
• Make sure Replacement Warhead Operational and Safety Functional Requirements are clearly defined; appropriate standards and codes (including safety management arrangements) are identified and satisfied.
• Liaise with authorities on Nuclear Safety and Design requirements matters.
• Make sure appropriate UK and US procedures are produced and reviewed to support the activities scoped.
• Ensuring the overall RW Safety Argument and ALARP Argument for undertaking the Authorised Activities detailed in the Scope of Operations is not compromised.

Qualifications: 

• HNC / HND in an Engineering discipline or equivalent relevant experience. 

Can be gained in post: 

• Nuclear Warhead Foundation Course (NWFC)
• Nuclear site safety justification course

Desirable Qualifications:

Can be gained in post: 

• Z6
• AWE Intermediate Warhead Safety Course (IWSC).
• TEST 10 Course
• Trident D5 Familiarisation Course

Skills:

• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems and Safety Cases

Desirable Skills: 

• Knowledge of the design, development, and manufacture of nuclear weapons
• Knowledge of facilities at AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield
• Knowledge of Coulport Site and Operations

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown.

Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.   

*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview* 

Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour (competency style). 

The Following Behaviours will be Assessed at Sift and Interview:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

The Following Behaviours will be Assessed at Interview only:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership

If a large number of applications are received then the initial sift will be based on Making Effective Decisions only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested.

Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit.

  
The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.  

You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.   

No application can be accepted after the closing date. 

Nationality Requirements - Further Information for Candidates

1. This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).

UK National Definition

     2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Dual Nationals

     3.  As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:

     a)   ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’ 

Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts

      4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules: 

      a)  ‘…departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’

      5, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons. 

DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

[1]  Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk 

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.