Land Opportunities in Platform Systems

Location

Fareham, South East : Salisbury, South West

Job description

Are you an engineer, analyst or scientist looking for an exciting role in Defence? 

You will join a cross-disciplinary team which provides high-quality engineering analysis and modelling, in some cases supported by live trials to answer customer questions in the Land domain. 

Our work helps the MOD procure state-of-the-art equipment, upgrade in-Service Platforms, and supports Wargaming, Weapon assessments, Threat assessments and research activities and collaborates across the organisation, wider MOD and engages externally with industry, academia and international partners. 

We have a number of opportunities available and we're welcoming applications from a broad range of individuals who meet combinations of the requirements below. 

We are looking for individuals who have; 

Self-motivation and ability to work under your own initiative. 

Good communication and interpersonal skills. 

The ability to think and work innovatively to overcome current and future problems facing defence. 

You will be an advocate for continuously improving our tools and methods to make them fit to provide the scientific advice on which our Armed Forces rely. 

In these roles you will; 

With a wide variety of roles available you could join us to; 

Build your understanding of the Land war-fighting environment, weapon terminal effects, and see the impact of your modelling and/or practical work. 

Utilise and develop fundamental materials science, physics and engineering expertise to deliver pertinent technical advice in the Land domain. 

Run performance models and analyse the outputs for both Land Vehicles and Personnel. 

Be an enthusiastic problem solver who can utilise software and hardware tools to address big picture questions in a fast-evolving area of Defence. 

Develop new capabilities to provide key advice to the Ministry of Defence on how to protect their land assets in complex, modern environments using electronic warfare. 

Provide technical advice on weapon sub-system, platform and battle space integration. 

Specialise in the development of effective countermeasures to guided weapons, using hardware and software models of such systems, to explore new concepts or assess existing technologies. 

Develop and apply missile propulsion knowledge in support of procurement and research projects. 

Challenges 

Working with international teams to deliver project outcomes 

Working successfully with diverse partner groups and influencing military customers 

Achieving outcomes through 

Key Performance Indicators 

Every role will bring different challenges but you will be expected to deliver to a combination of; 

Supporting others in their development 

Take ownership of your workload and prioritise effectively to meet commitments, seeking advice from your Team Leader and Project Manager where appropriate. 

The quality of output/advice in terms of written, verbal and presentational delivery 

Communicate effectively with internal customers and colleagues, building positive and trusting relationships. 

Support the delivery of complex interdisciplinary projects 

Build effective networks across Dstl and the wider technical community 

Come up with new ideas for improving analysis methods and tools, and see them to fruition 

Personal Qualities: 

Self-motivated and driven to deliver a given task 

Works well with others as a team but also can work alone 

Good communications skills, able to tailor the technical level to the given audience 

Able to take concepts and techniques and be able to develop this practically. 

Experience technically leading small teams for certain roles. 

A technical, scientific or engineering background 

A natural systems thinker 

Developing and maintaining productive relationships. 

Show self-motivation to improve self and team capability 

Able to relate theoretical concepts and computer simulations to real-world problems 

Qualifications 

Essential 

With strong English and Maths skills you will have a degree or equivalent relevant experience in an engineering, scientific, technology or mathematics discipline. 

Examples Include: 

Maths 

Physics 

Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering 

Electrical / Mechanical Engineering 

Software Engineering 

Computer Science 

Desirable 

For more senior position a PhD would be an advantage. 

Particular specialisms are not required for all roles but may be helpful as we will seek to develop you into niche areas that align with your core skills. 

Memberships

Membership of a professional body would be an advantage (e.g. Institute of Engineering Technology (IET), Institute of Physics (IoP), Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE), British Computer Society (BCS) or other.) We can support your development towards professional memberships as appropriate. 

Person specification

Were looking for individuals who can bring a mix of skills to our teams including combinations of; 

Excellent communication skills to create effective professional relationships with international partners. 

Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-specialists, including project managers and international audiences. 

Strong analytical skills and keen attention to detail. 

Programming skills 

Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel to manage and communicate information 

Experience of writing reports and giving presentations 

Experience working independently and taking responsibility for delivery to tight timescales 

Awareness of the MOD and the war fighting environment. 

Desirable 

With various roles available we need individuals with skills and ability in any of the following; 

Experience of programming in C++, Fortran, VBA, MATLAB, Simulink and other languages 

Knowledge of Vulnerability / Lethality / Terminal Effects 

Understanding of a variety of languages: 3ds Max, Solidworks or other CAD software, UML/SysML and the use of Enterprise Architect. 

Experience of developing software from requirements to delivery, and supporting it across the lifecycle stages. 

Knowledge and awareness of relevant Defence programmes 

Experience of providing consultancy advice 

Understanding of modelling and simulation techniques 

Understanding and knowledge of guided weapon technologies 

An understanding of Electronic Warfare principles 

Familiarity with basic analogue and digital electronics design concepts and basic practical electronics skills. 

Able to complete electronic hardware repairs and developments 

Knowledge Field Programmable Gate Arrays 

Experience of Guided Navigation and Control systems 

In making your application please explain which of the skills above you feel fit your expertise.

Competencies

We'll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

Which has been the most exciting project that you have been involved in till date? Tell us about this project.

Benefits

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Benefits

In return for playing your part in the UKs defence and security, we offer extensive benefits that include everything from a pension and generous leave, to excellent learning and development opportunities all in addition to a competitive salary. Our sites are equipped with gyms and restaurants. But its not just your working environment that weve thought about. Your home life is important too, which is why we offer a truly flexible work-life balance. In short, weve done our best to ensure that our rewards reflect your talents. 

For more information about our rewards check out the link to rewards information.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

Selection process details

Should we invite you for interview we'll provide you with more detail about the nature of the specific role's we are looking to fill. 

We are recruiting across a number of skills areas and experience levels and the salary offered will depend on individual experiences and backgrounds. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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

Eligibility

Candidates in their probationary period are not eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Contact point for applicants

dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk 

01980 950000 option 4 

Sift/interview dates and location

We'll be reviewing applications regularly and we may close this vacancy at any point should the available roles be filled. Interviews will be conducted regularly in either Portsmouth or Salisbury. 

We can offer video interviewing in certain circumstances if you are unable to travel to us.

Further information

Please note that Dstl will be contacting candidates via email and you should check your junk mail folder regularly. Any attachments may not be available via smart phone or tablet views. 

If you are applying for this position as a Job Share please indicate if you have a partner who is also applying for this vacancy and if you are successful but they are not if you would still consider the role. 

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days. 

The Civil Service is moving to Name-blind sifting and applications to Dstl will follow this process. However where a CV has been requested this functionality is not currently available 

Security Clearance Required 

The security of our work means that only UK nationals who have also resided in the UK for the last 5 years (10 years in some cases) can be considered. Unfortunately dual nationals are not eligible. All posts will require Developed Vetting (DV).