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.

Within SSPAG, our role is to assess and predict the performance of deterrent capabilities and operations now and into the future.  We conduct analyses, assessments and assurance audits, providing recommendations to the most senior MOD officials, including the Chief of Defence Nuclear, Chief of the Naval Staff and Chief of Defence Staff to support decision-making at the highest levels. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The role is based in the Strategic Assessments team. We undertake simulation modelling, operational analysis and technical studies in support of the UK submarine fleet.

You will help use, understand and develop our suite of bespoke software tools to conduct analysis relating to submarine performance to support both current operations and future procurement decisions. The outputs of your work will be used to provide assurance that UK submarines remain safe, secure and effective.

Typical areas of responsibility include:

• creation and use of bespoke numerical models;
• application of scientific knowledge to develop solutions to unfamiliar problems;
• signal processing and signal detection;
• operational analysis;
• geospatial analysis.

The rest of the team will provide close support as you become established and develop your own knowledge.

Flexible and condensed working patterns can be considered for this post but, due to security constraints, the role is not suitable for hybrid working. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Person specification

We are looking for someone with a strong scientific or technical background who has some experience in numerical modelling and/or computational analysis. Due to the diversity of technical knowledge required for this role, it is essential that you can assimilate information covering a broad range of topics and learn new skills with limited supervision.

The candidate must have:

• a degree (or equivalent) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) or other highly numerate subject;
• experience in programming in any widely-used programming language, e.g. Python, Matlab, C++, Fortran;
• experience in solving complex technical problems;
• experience in acquiring new skills/knowledge with limited supervision

We will consider all candidates who meet the above essential criteria. Although not essential, it would also be desirable for the candidate to have:

• a higher degree (e.g. MSc, MEng, PhD or equivalent) in a STEM or other highly numerate subject;
• experience in signal processing;
• experience in technical or scientific work related to the underwater domain;
• experience in technical or scientific work related to acoustics or vibration.

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 and Experience.

We’ll assess you against these Civil Service Behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions;
• Delivering at Pace.

Your application will be assessed on your:

• CV (including job history, qualification details and previous skills/experience);
• Personal Statement;
• lead Behaviour (Making Effective Decisions).

If you pass the first stage, you will then be invited for interview. Prior to the interview, you will be sent a short technical assessment – please bring this with you to the interview. At the interview, you will be assessed on your:

• remaining Behaviour (Delivering at Pace);
• technical experience;
• understanding of physics;
• understanding of statistics;
• understanding of programming.

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

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

Dual Nationals

1. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
   1. ‘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

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

1. ‘…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.’

1. 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

1Irish 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) 

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.  

*Please Note: There is no lift access to the office, route available through stairs only*  

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.