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. 

The Replacement Warhead Programme sits within the DNO’s Warhead Directorate and is critical to ensuring the sustainment of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent into the latter half of the 21st century. The Replacement Warhead Programme is responsible for managing the design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of a stockpile of safe, credible, and effective nuclear warheads to protect the UK and NATO against the most extreme threats to our way of life.  

This post can be based in Reading, Bristol or London, however regular travel to AWE Aldermaston, Reading will be required.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Nuclear Sub-Systems team are responsible for leading design and development of the set of Nuclear Sub-Systems which will form the Replacement Warhead, working closely with the Atomic Weapons Establishment based out of Aldermaston and Burghfield.

The team ensure that there are credible plans to deliver nuclear package design options as part of the Replacement Warhead Programme, overseeing and providing strategic direction to the Atomic Weapons Establishment. The team are responsible for ensuring that design options deliver performance requirements (including safety and certification) and adhere to the critical path of the programme. The team ensure that due diligence is performed in assessing the material requirements of various design options, engaging across the Defence Nuclear in a manner cognisant of the uncertainty inherent in the early-stage of many interdependent programmes.

The team also provide an interface with relevant US Government departments (Department of Defense and Department of Energy) concerning Nuclear Sub-Systems design, which are key enablers for the Replacement Warhead Programme.

Multiple opportunities are available within the Replacement Warhead Nuclear Sub-Systems team.

Responsibilities of the successful candidate may include:

• Supporting the development and assessment of a range of nuclear physics package and related sub-system design options, including the delivery of evidence to inform and support major procurement decisions.
• Working with the primary delivery partner (Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)) to ensure that design options are credible, deliverable and meet performance and effectiveness requirements.
• Supporting the day-to-day international collaboration programmes with the US on nuclear physics package design, to ensure that the UK is sufficiently kept abreast of developments. Based on the UK technical needs this includes programmes run by the US Department of Defence (US Navy) and the US Department of Energy (NNSA) through the Polaris Sales Agreement and the Mutual Defence Agreement that are related to the UK’s current and future nuclear warhead programmes and capabilities.
• Working with the wider Replacement Warhead team and across the Warhead Group on the delivery of Nuclear Physics Package Design options, ensuring that these are aligned to wider programme dependencies, requirements, risks, benefits and schedule.
• Supporting the identification of materials requirements for the Replacement Warhead Programme.
• Supporting the creation and maintenance of a Bill of Materials and demand signal, informed by key stakeholders, to record the material requirements and associated demand stemming from the Replacement Warhead programme.
• Working closely with the Infrastructure and Materials team to deliver an aligned understanding of material requirements at the portfolio level, ensuring that the needs of the Replacement Warhead Programme are understood and accepted within this.
• Working closely with the Infrastructure and Materials team to develop the body of evidence to make investment decisions.
• Developing a detailed understanding of the current and forecast materials stockpile for the Replacement Warhead Programme.
• Providing updates to senior decision-makers at relevant governance fora on matters relating to the Replacement Warhead Nuclear Sub-System.
• Working closely with the Replacement Warhead Risk and Assumptions Manager to allow early mitigation of emerging risks.

Previous knowledge of the Nuclear Weapons Programme is not expected; training and development will be offered to any successful candidates.

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.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. 

Person specification

Qualifications:

• Level 5 or above qualification in a technical discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a technical field. 
• Post-joining to complete: Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course, Z6, Advanced Weapons Technology Course

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong interest in UK Defence

Desirable Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent in a STEM discipline.
• Formal qualification in project or programme management (PLP, APM, MSP, Prince2, etc).

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of the Nuclear Weapons Programme and Nuclear Fuel Cycle.
• Experience working in the Defence Nuclear Programme, with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases, or related experience.
• Awareness of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA), and underlying technical arrangements therein.
• Knowledge of fissile, fissionable materials, energetic materials; their use and management
• Knowledge of the Nuclear Physics Package and how it functions.
• Knowledge of the design and manufacture of nuclear weapons, including the Nuclear Fuel Cycle.

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.

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 also have 750 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role. 

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.  

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

 

• Leadership
• Working Together 
• Communicating and Influencing 

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.