Job Description
Organisation: Defence Equipment & Support
Salary: £46,400 per annum (plus generous benefits)
Grade: Professional II (PII)
Working Pattern: Full time, Part time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Contract Type: Permanent
At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe - for today, and tomorrow.
We offer 25+ days' holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97%, to help make work work for you.
Nationality, visas, and vetting: We're unable to offer visa sponsorship.
This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role for which you've been recruited. If it isn't obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn't obtained within 12 months.
Job description
Are you a naval architect looking to work on cutting-edge defence projects? This is an exciting opportunity to join Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), where you will play a pivotal role in delivering critical capabilities for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
You will be part of a dedicated team of engineers tackling unique technical challenges and introducing innovative methods and technologies to support naval operations. Managed within a specialist skills group, you will be assigned to high-profile projects based on organisational priorities and your own development goals, whether in ship acquisition or through-life support, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of naval architecture challenges.
You will lead and support engineering activities across total-ship design and operation, focusing on the effective integration of all components required for warships and boats to perform as intended. You will apply your expertise to manage risk throughout the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring adherence to standards and rules while providing guidance to MOD and industry designers and builders.
Specialisms associated within this role may include Concept Design, Ship Structures, Hydrodynamics, Stability, Ship Construction and Repair, Capability Insertion, System Survivability, Boats and Small Craft Design, Maritime Escape, Evacuation and Rescue, Emergency Response and Salvage.
As a naval architect, your leadership, communication, and influencing skills will be essential in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, obtaining, and sharing critical information, and driving project success. There will be opportunities to travel to various UK locations, including ships, shipyards and dockyards, to support project delivery.
We champion flexible working arrangements, requiring a minimum of three days in-person attendance to foster collaboration while supporting work-life balance. Initially, you may need to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, team, and role.
What you'll be doing
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
or
o Incorporated Marine Engineering (IMarEng), or higher
Note: Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
Further Information
Disability Confident:
Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section 'Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.'
Conflicts of Interest:
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
Selection Process Details
Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:
Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints - Civil Service Commission
About Us
Join an integral part of the UK's Defence and play your part in the procurement and in-service support of all our armed forces' equipment, from fighter jets, armoured vehicles and aircraft carriers, to clothing, food, and ammunition. If you have the pride, passion and commitment to be part of an exciting organisation at the forefront of supporting our country's armed forces to deliver on operations at home and abroad, then apply online now!
About the Team
Problem solvers. Innovative thinkers. Career returners and switchers. It takes all kinds of people to drive our engineering programmes forward. From cutting-edge engineering to battle-winning technologies, you'll help equip the UK Armed Forces with the edge to protect our nation. Engineering is the largest department within DE&S - and it's one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within our organisation and our industry partners and professional bodies too. Join us and discover where your ambition could lead you.
Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.
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. Please click here to find out more.
DE&S/SDA and MOD Main internal applicants will need to apply through MyHR Internal Career Portal via the DE&S/SDA jobs tile. This can be found on the MyHR home page.
Please ensure you check your junk mail for email notifications from the DE&S/SDA Talent Acquisition Team. To stop notifications being sent to your junk mail please add the following email address (emvz.fa.sender@workflow.g1mail.em1.ukg.oraclecloud.com) to the Safe Senders list in your email account.
Organisation: Defence Equipment & Support
Salary: £46,400 per annum (plus generous benefits)
Grade: Professional II (PII)
Working Pattern: Full time, Part time, Job Share, Flexible Working
Contract Type: Permanent
At Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), we supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver a vast range of essential defence programmes and strive for what's next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe - for today, and tomorrow.
We offer 25+ days' holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of 28.97%, to help make work work for you.
Nationality, visas, and vetting: We're unable to offer visa sponsorship.
This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Check (SC) security clearance. Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role for which you've been recruited. If it isn't obtained or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn't obtained within 12 months.
Job description
Are you a naval architect looking to work on cutting-edge defence projects? This is an exciting opportunity to join Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), where you will play a pivotal role in delivering critical capabilities for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
You will be part of a dedicated team of engineers tackling unique technical challenges and introducing innovative methods and technologies to support naval operations. Managed within a specialist skills group, you will be assigned to high-profile projects based on organisational priorities and your own development goals, whether in ship acquisition or through-life support, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of naval architecture challenges.
You will lead and support engineering activities across total-ship design and operation, focusing on the effective integration of all components required for warships and boats to perform as intended. You will apply your expertise to manage risk throughout the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring adherence to standards and rules while providing guidance to MOD and industry designers and builders.
Specialisms associated within this role may include Concept Design, Ship Structures, Hydrodynamics, Stability, Ship Construction and Repair, Capability Insertion, System Survivability, Boats and Small Craft Design, Maritime Escape, Evacuation and Rescue, Emergency Response and Salvage.
As a naval architect, your leadership, communication, and influencing skills will be essential in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, obtaining, and sharing critical information, and driving project success. There will be opportunities to travel to various UK locations, including ships, shipyards and dockyards, to support project delivery.
We champion flexible working arrangements, requiring a minimum of three days in-person attendance to foster collaboration while supporting work-life balance. Initially, you may need to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, team, and role.
What you'll be doing
- Apply legislation, policy, and standards to guarantee safety, security, environmental compliance, and interoperability across systems in a highly regulated environment.
- Identify and analyse complex technical hazards and project impacts, contribute to risk reduction measures, and ensure these are fully documented and understood.
- Produce and review technical artefacts, models, layouts, and reports as part of assurance and acceptance activities.
- Provide expert technical advice on ship structures, hydrostatics, and hydrodynamics, supporting design decisions and assurance processes.
- Mentor and support the development of junior naval architects and entry-level talent.
- Collaborate closely with the Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) and Classification Societies to establish and maintain certification.
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics based qualification at RQF Level 4 (Lead criterion)
- Demonstrable wide-ranging depth and breadth experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful Naval Architecture outcomes
- Belong to a relevant Professional body/institution related to your discipline, be professionally registered as either:
or
o Incorporated Marine Engineering (IMarEng), or higher
Note: Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
- Core Behaviour 1: Making Effective Decisions - CSBC 3 (1st)
- Core Behaviour 2: Delivering at Pace - CSBC 3
- Technical Competence 1: ECF_01 (1.3) Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking - Practitioner level
- Technical Competence 2: ECF_03 (3.3) Supportable Technical Solutions - Practitioner level
- 25 days' annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King's birthday
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
- Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
- Support for progression
- Huge range of discounts
- Volunteering days
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
Further Information
- Civil Service Recruitment Principles: Recruitment Principles - Civil Service Commission
- Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
- Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-Terms-and-Conditions
- Civil Service Code: The Code - Civil Service Commission
Disability Confident:
Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section 'Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.'
Conflicts of Interest:
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
Selection Process Details
Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:
- Pre-sift - We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
- Sift - Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
- Interview - If you're invited to interview, you'll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.
Please Note: In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below:
- 1st: Core Behaviour 1
- 2nd: Core Behaviour 2
- 3rd: Technical Competencies
- 4th: CV Review
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email: DESHR-WSC-PMOCOMPLAINTS@mod.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Recruitment Complaints - Civil Service Commission
About Us
Join an integral part of the UK's Defence and play your part in the procurement and in-service support of all our armed forces' equipment, from fighter jets, armoured vehicles and aircraft carriers, to clothing, food, and ammunition. If you have the pride, passion and commitment to be part of an exciting organisation at the forefront of supporting our country's armed forces to deliver on operations at home and abroad, then apply online now!
About the Team
Problem solvers. Innovative thinkers. Career returners and switchers. It takes all kinds of people to drive our engineering programmes forward. From cutting-edge engineering to battle-winning technologies, you'll help equip the UK Armed Forces with the edge to protect our nation. Engineering is the largest department within DE&S - and it's one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within our organisation and our industry partners and professional bodies too. Join us and discover where your ambition could lead you.
Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.
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. Please click here to find out more.
DE&S/SDA and MOD Main internal applicants will need to apply through MyHR Internal Career Portal via the DE&S/SDA jobs tile. This can be found on the MyHR home page.
Please ensure you check your junk mail for email notifications from the DE&S/SDA Talent Acquisition Team. To stop notifications being sent to your junk mail please add the following email address (emvz.fa.sender@workflow.g1mail.em1.ukg.oraclecloud.com) to the Safe Senders list in your email account.