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 Warhead Directorate has staff based in MOD Main Building, MOD Abbey Wood (Bristol), Aldermaston (Reading) and HM Naval Base Clyde (Scotland). This post can be based in Aldermaston or Bristol.

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 The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

This Position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

To ensure the continuous availability of a safe and secure warhead stockpile, the Warhead Stockpile Management (WSM) team directly ensures the safety, performance, and availability of the UK’s Nuclear Warhead.

The post available is situated within the Deputy Chief Engineer’s area, a central and critical function, with responsibility for providing technical guidance, assessment, and support to all other elements of WSM, to ensure a safe, effective (performing) and resilient organisation.

Following onboarding and training, the successful candidate will contribute to a diverse range of tasks including: the setting of engineering standards; the maintenance of the warhead design intent; and for assuring compliance with systems engineering processes.

DNO WHD-WSM Configuration and Approvals Manager is an integral part of the Warhead Stockpile Management Team, and has responsibility for ensuring the cost effective, efficient and safe delivery of the in-service Trident nuclear warhead programme in accordance with acquisition principles, DNO Customer Supplier Agreements and MoD standards and regulations.

The job includes:

a. Technical ownership of the nuclear warhead approval process; including the production, approval, distribution, configuration management and recording of nuclear weapon approvals to support the long-term use of in-service nuclear warheads.

b. Technical review of the nuclear weapon modifications, providing technical justifications to the Nuclear Weapon Approving Authority (NWAA) regarding approval and rejection.

c . Provide the technical secretariat function for the NWAA Approvals governance and committees including maintenance of the relevant engineering governance arrangements.

Person specification

Person specification:
- HNC / HND in a STEM discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
- Two year engineering experience, preferably within a nuclear or high hazard environment.

Person specification - desirable:
- Degree or equivalent in a STEM discipline.
- Experience working in the nuclear weapons programme with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases.
- Experience with technical writing.

Candidates are not expected to meet all of the desirable criteria. The available role will provide opportunities to develop specialist nuclear and safety skills and an understanding of the UK and Defence Nuclear Enterprise. As such, candidates are expected to be proactive towards their own personal development and capable of demonstrating initiative.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,632 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. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for the Behaviours and Experience sections 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*

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 be required to supply us with an up-to date CV. These will be used to sift suitable candidates.
The CV will ask for your Job History, Qualifications and Past Skills and Experience.

You also have 1250 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role.

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

• Leadership 
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions 

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Technical Skills:

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

Please note 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.

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.