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. 

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. The programme has teams dedicated to programme controls and engineering.

This post sits within the engineering team which is directly responsible for all technical aspects of the Replacement Warhead product and interacts with wider DNO, MOD, and the private sector to ensure delivery of suitable supporting systems and equipment.

This post can be based at MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), MOD Main Building (London) or Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston (Tadley). The post holder will be expected to travel across the UK and occasionally internationally. In particular, the post holder will be expected to travel to AWE Aldermaston on a regular basis, if not based there.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Job description

The purpose of the Replacement Warhead Programme Qualification and Configuration Support role is to assist in ensuring the delivery across configuration, requirements, qualification, and systems design. They will also support wider engineering team and Replacement Warhead Team duties.

The successful candidate will be supporting the wider RW Engineering team in developing the RWP’s testing, evaluation, approvals, and verification needs and how to fulfil them.

Help ensure ‘Non-Nuclear Component(s)’ (NNC) delivery and development in line with what is needed for the NNC portfolio for RWP and Trident II D5 missile, and wider RW Systems Integration with the international treaties/agreements/memoranda of understandings, including the Mutual Defence Agreement, Polaris Sales Agreement and Technical Arrangements with our key international partners.

They will also support safety qualification management for NNCs in engagement with regulators to ensure components are designed and procured in accordance with legislation.

The post holder will also support the development of the “Golden Thread” for the Replacement Warhead: an unbroken, top-down linkage of requirements stemming from Defence Policy that provides the direction for investment plans and ensures that capabilities generated are coherent and consistent with the benefits of the Replacement Warhead Programme.

The Qualification and Configuration Support role will support the RWP Requirements Manager in developing System and Technical requirements, focusing at the Capability and User Requirement level, and ensuring coherence between User and Systems Requirements. 

The post holder will assist the RWP Configuration Manager in developing and maintaining configuration control, to which stakeholders across the Logistic Cycle and Life cycle phases of the RW will have to adhere. Configuration management is a Systems Engineering process for establishing and maintaining consistency of a products performance, functional, and physical attributes with its requirements, design, and operational information throughout its life.

They will help assist the RWP through change control processes, including through Configuration Management Documents, ensuring that these align with RW requirements. This ensures that a Replacement Warhead is built to the required standard to maintain approvals and certification; that the performance of the Replacement Warhead is maintained when configuration changes are approved.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

Responsibilities

We’re seeking motivated and self-starting individuals to join our team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive attitude, possess excellent self-management skills, and exhibit a passion for taking initiative and driving projects forward independently. 

The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, and will ideally have experience working on complex programmes, especially in defence, and have awareness of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. 

The post holder will be heavily involved in requirements, configuration, verification, and acceptance management for the Replacement Warhead Programme. They will need to either have or develop a strong understanding of project and programme controls and management to ensure that timely and high-quality management information from their area is shared with the wider team to inform decision-making and delivery at the right level.

Candidates should possess a Level 4 or higher qualification in a technical / engineering discipline, or hold equivalent relevant experience.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working on complex programmes, especially in defence
• Knowledge of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise
• Experience working in a systems-driven environment with an emphasis on requirements, verification, and acceptance
• Programme management experience
• Awareness of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA), and underlying technical arrangements therein

Desirable Skills

• Working directly on the Nuclear warhead programme on Warhead sub system engineering design, development, qualification, and integration;
• Having a good understanding of the importance of compatibility with the wider warhead system;
• Working directly on the Nuclear warhead programme on Re-entry Body design, development, qualification and integration;
• Test, evaluation, and qualification of Defence assets, particularly WOME and nuclear weapons;
• Review and acceptance management of nuclear weapon systems or components;
• Requirements generation and management;
• Project management across international boundaries.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 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.

Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. 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. 

In addition to your application you have 750 words for a Personal Statement where you have the opportunity to show “Why do you want this role and what benefits would you bring”.

You will also be required to input details of your job history and experience for the CV section. As these two elements will be used to sift for the roles, ensure you answer them fully and showing relevance to the roles, skills and experience required. 

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles:

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

Technical Skills

• Nuclear 4.2 Nuclear Weapon Systems and Components Concept, Assessment, Design for Modifications and Life Extensions

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. 

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.

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) 

Candidates are advised that due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MOD.

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.