About the job

Job summary

In the context of this role Programmable Elements is defined as systems containing safety related software, airborne electronic hardware, multicore processors and cyber security for airworthiness.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a Programmable Elements subject area lead within the Certification Division of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) We’re responsible for developing the regulation for, and undertaking certification of, all new military Air Systems and major changes to type designs as defined by regulation. Our extensive portfolio covers fast jets, helicopters and large aircraft through to uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS/RPAS) and Air Traffic Equipment. You’ll have the opportunity to lead Certification projects which often make use of innovative technology, and we’re responsible for making sure they’re developing air systems to recognised standards.

We’ll provide you with the necessary training so that you can effectively undertake your responsibilities. We’ll also give you the appropriate authority and latitude to deliver your objectives, remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for delivery.

We also offer excellent personal and professional development opportunities and have a vibrant social and entertainments programme throughout the year!

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Programmable Elements role is not a typical IT role.  Ideally, this post would suit an aerospace engineer (other types of engineering degrees are also considered) with some prior Programmable Elements experience or knowledge, seeking a career change into cyber/software certification, or alternatively; a Computer science/Software/Cyber professional wanting a career change into the aviation certification world.

The Programmable Element Certification role involves:

The technical analysis of aircraft systems through the review of certification artifacts (primary reports) to ensure the software, complex electronic hardware and cyber properties of those systems do not adversely affect the safety of aircraft.

To be clear, the role does not involve:

• Software development and testing/verification of code
• Network security, network configuration design work
• Server management
• Vulnerability scanning
• Management of IT security alerts , security incidents, incident assessments
• Computer repairs, software/security updates
• Penetration testing
• (Nothing to do with typical IT roles)

Person specification

The successful applicant should ideally have a mixture of technical and non-technical knowledge as follows (although training is available as required):

• Knowledge of Civil and MOD regulations, policy, civilian and military standards
• Knowledge of Software Standards such as DO178C /ED-12C (+ supplement standards)
• Knowledge of Airborne Electronic Hardware Standards DO254/ED-80
• Knowledge of Cyber Security Standards such as DO326A/ED-203A, DO355A, DO356A etc
• Knowledge of aviation and aviation technologies and systems
• Knowledge of the Certification of Civil and Military Aircraft
• Knowledge of  Aircraft Safety
• The ability to become military aircraft certification experts, offering advice and guidance in PE Certification and Leading development of PE Certification policy and Defence Standard amendments (read MMAC manual for more info about our certification processes.)

Training will be available in the primary certification standards, certification processes and in the Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems/Safety Management, although some prior knowledge or experience of PE and the Air Environment are desired. To become a fully qualified SME in the MAA, you’ll need at least 3 to 4 years of work experience and further courses and training.

How does the MAA fit into Defence?

Part of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), the MAA is the organization responsible for the regulation, surveillance, inspection, and assurance of Defence Aviation. We ensure the safe design and use of military Air Systems. As the single Authority responsible for regulating all aspects of Air Safety across Defence, the MAA has full oversight of all Defence aviation activity. Through independent audit and continuous surveillance, the MAA strives to provide the Director General DSA (DG DSA), the critical assurance that appropriate safety standards are being maintained, whilst delivering operational capability. The MAA are the military equivalent to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Providing certification assurance of aviation programmable elements in UK military registered Air Systems.
• Providing advice to airworthiness process owners on aviation programmable elements issues relating to integrity management.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engaging in the development and review of MAA regulation and policy, influencing changes to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Supporting the overall outputs of the team, including those of the wider MAA, to improve the delivery of our services across Defence.
• Line management of 1x C2/HEO civil servant and 1 x OF2/Flt Lt military team member.

Experience

The ideal applicant should have an engineering background within the programmable elements subject area for a minimum of 5 years. Prior Certification experience is desirable, though tailored training is available as required.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 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.

Next steps: You’ll need to submit a CV that details your career history, qualifications, key achievements and skills, and a personal statement (no longer than 500 words).

Your application will be sifted by a panel who’ll review your CV, experience and personal statement to identify if you match the role requirements. If you’re successful at sift, we will invite you to an interview on a date to be agreed. The interview will be either virtual or on-site at MoD Abbey Wood North, Bristol.

Interview Stage

The following three behaviours would be assessed in the Interview:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Two Technical Skills would also be assessed in the Interview.

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 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.

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.