About the job

Job summary

Dstl’s Engineering capability manufactures bespoke, prototype items for Defence and the security of the UK for customers from across the business and Other Government Departments. Electronics Engineers are integral to the Workshop team, interacting with customers, industry, suppliers and apprentices on a daily basis to ensure the timely delivery of items in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Electronics Engineers undertake a complex role requiring a range of technical skills and knowledge in order to get the job done.
This is a varied and interesting role where you will get to work on multiple projects, from simple circuitry to complex fault finding in equipment, to development of military platforms, and everything else imaginable in between. You will be encouraged and empowered to steer technical requirements, help to develop the electronics capability, and use your skills to make a difference for all.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

Job description

Ongoing development of Dstl’s Engineering Capability has resulted in a period of growth in terms of volume and type of activity undertaken across the range of disciplines provided by the team, including a corresponding increase in demand for electronics support and apprentice mentoring.

In this role you will:
• Provide customers with electronics based technical advice, product development and manufacturing solutions
• Ensure Dstl is receiving best value for money by reviewing industry supplier bids for electronic manufacturing contracts
• Provide timely and accurate quotations to enable customers to make informed decisions
• Manage multiple activity projects and deliver them to Time, Cost and Quality
• Maintain an auditable trail for each task managed, capturing full task data so that Dstl has a reliable record that can provide appropriate information
• Mentor Electronics Engineering apprentices and provide feedback on development
• Build on customer relationships across the business and industry to strengthen the reputation and standing of the Engineering capability
• You will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery and quality control of each project routed through the Electronics Capability.
• You will be empowered to create task schedules, prioritise and negotiate deliveries with customers.
• You will be empowered to use your engineering knowledge and experience to make informed decisions on where to place work, either through in house capabilities or with industry partners.
• You will be responsible for managing an authorised budget for each task, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds.
• You will be encouraged to build upon and create new relationships across the business and with suppliers, evolving Dstl’s portfolio of capability.
• You will have the necessary tools available to purchase goods and services required to deliver tasks, subject to financial authority being granted.
• There are no formal direct reports or Line Management responsibilities associated with the role, but you will be required to supervise and provide feedback and direction to Direct Line Management.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

Comprehensive knowledge of the role of an Electronics Engineer in a dynamic and busy workshop environment:

o Interaction with customers and colleagues from across the business, OGD and industry
o Accurate estimating of time and materials for the manufacture of bespoke electronics hardware and assemblies
o Project planning, prioritising and scheduling of tasks and resources to meet customer demands
o Knowledge and experience of using a supplier base

Comprehensive knowledge of safety standards applicable to an Electronics Engineering environment, and how to apply them to bespoke equipment.

Comprehensive knowledge of a mechanical and electronics workshop specialising in the development and low volume manufacture of equipment.

Comprehensive knowledge and application of mechanical and electronic engineering practices and processes.

A desire to use your extensive background in electronics engineering to interpret challenging customer requirements, offer sound solutions and deliver tangible results.

Please see full Job description at the bottom of the page 


Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be British Citizens who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to understand the work you will undertake to protect us from any security threats. For this reason, we regret that only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

If you are a current Dstl employee, you are encouraged to inform your line manager of your application as they can support you through the process and should you be successful it will help in negotiating a release date.

Work location
Dstl is strongly encouraging blended and flexible working either at one of our sites or from home or both. We want to empower you to undertake your duties at the most appropriate location for the task, however you will be allocated a Dstl site as a base. You may be required to travel to other Dstl and MoD sites as required.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,970, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £9,711 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 want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 29th January 2024, followed by interviews week commencing the 6th February 2024.

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 security check (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.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

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.