Military Communications Scientist

About the job

Summary

The appetite for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Science and Technology is growing rapidly. Dstls C4 Systems Group (C4SG) undertakes and promotes world leading research to provide bespoke solutions to critical national communications challenges.

We apply existing and novel technological concepts to niche, austere environments in order to provide resilient infrastructures. We partner and collaborate to maximise the impact of our work to protect the UK.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

We particularly welcome female and BAME applicants and those from the LGBTQI+ community.

We are looking for people who have:

An inquisitive research mind-set, strong relevant technical expertise and interpersonal skills, including the skill to form relationships with wide-ranging military and non-military partners and to use these connections to deliver outcomes.

The capability to work collaboratively with colleagues, across teams and also with other partners in MOD, worldwide and across academia and industry.

Job description

In this role you will:

Undertake research into state-of-the art techniques for resilient communications at the physical and MAC layers. We are interested in developing a diverse range of communications technologies to meet a dazzling array of challenges ranging from ultra-narrow to ultra-wide bands and could include radio, light or acoustic carriers.

Drive research to develop and refine approaches for coding and modulation of information, transmission security and resistance to hostile interference.

Constantly seek to exploit new scientific opportunities for the improvement of communications capabilities or systems; for instance through exploitation of quantum theory or by using novel materials to drive component and antenna design.

Exploit novel S&T concepts in the development of MODs tactical communication military systems to ensure availability of state of the art equipment for the UK military and collaborative partners.

Use creativity and innovation to contribute to the success of research projects within the C4 domain.

Ensure technical quality and improve the value of Dstls research through effective collaboration and partnering with relevant external bodies such as international partners or academia, as well as within government.

Use expertise in Defence, C4 and Security sectors to generate innovative concepts and find opportunities for further work.

Advise across Government, including potentially briefing senior officials to ensure robust decision-making within government.

Provide meticulous review of process and outputs to ensure the quality of the research we deliver.

Challenges of the role:

Working across virtual multidisciplinary teams across the organisation and potentially more widely.

Supervising scientific research undertaken by industry.

Working successfully with diverse groups.

Achieving outcomes through others.

We offer the opportunity to develop technical skills within a highly successful Team, whose services are in high demand. Expect to be deployed on projects across a number of domains as leader or in direct support or as a Technical Partner. Work will be across MOD, Government and with our partners in Industry, Academia and abroad.

Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

Essential

We expect you to possess technical / scientific experience drawn from two or more of the following core skills, including:

Antennae and propagation

Bearer emulation and modelling

Bearer management and analysis

Communications security (COMSEC)

Knowledge of communications standards

RF communications

Spectrum management

Waveform design

Wired and wireless bearer technologies

Plus:

Emerging Technology Monitoring

Research Skills

Systems Thinking

Technical Writing

Technical Partnering

Critical Thinking

We'd like to hear from you, if you:

Enjoy solving technical problems and producing implementable solutions.

Think about how developments in any scientific area could be applied to your area of expertise.

Are happy to try out ideas even if they may fail or prove to be wrong.

Recognise when others may need your help and are willing to help out.

Commit to something and complete it.

Qualifications

Essential

A degree or advanced professional qualification in Electronics Engineering, Communications Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Science or Engineering with the appropriate technical / professional experience is required for these posts.

We are also keen to hear from applicants with an equivalent level of skills / knowledge / expertise.

Behaviours

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

Changing and Improving

Working Together

Delivering at Pace

Leadership

Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

We'll provide a great range of benefits including;

Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.

Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 20 hours can be taken in any calendar month

Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.

Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.

Chartership and accreditation support.

Pension.

Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.

A competitive salary.

Onsite gyms and restaurants.

Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.

Our Diversity Networks

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 have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.

These include the following;

- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network

- Faith and Culture Network

- Parents and Carer Support Network

- Alternative Working Network

- Gender Equality Network

- New Starters Network

- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page 

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

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

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

You will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement detailing why you feel you are suitable for the role. It would also be advantageous if you could let us know within your personal statement if you already hold security clearance.

If you are successful at sift we will then ask you to participate in a video interview.

At interview we will be assessing your technical expertise and behaviors as detailed within the job advert.

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.

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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Matt Knox Team Leader, Communications, Networks and Bearers Team

Email : mknox@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Further information

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.