SDA Structures Engineering Manager

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is part of the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for the procurement, in-service support and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD) and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put our values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, there are many communities that you can belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The successful applicant can choose between either MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, or BAE Barrow In Furness as their primary delivery location.

Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post; however, the expectation is that post holders will work from an office or workplace location for at least 60% of their working time. Regular workplace attendance in Barrow In Furness Shipyard will be required due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

Job description

The role sits within Design and Build Assurance, responsible for assessing design intent and the as-built product against Ship Specification requirements. The role supports acceptance of compliant products by providing technical assurance, scrutinising evidence, engaging with industry and stakeholders, and ensuring that design, build and acceptance activities are aligned to the required safety, functional and performance outcomes.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead on the development of structural requirements, including acceptance plans, performance criteria and draft specifications.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to solve complex technical problems and identify application risks relating to the design, integrity and assurance of submarine structures.
• Manage assurance and delivery of submarine structural designs as defined in assignment specification, including acquisition safety aspects and the technical requirements for the relevant acquisition lifecycle stage.
• Collaborate alongside other Engineering disciplines to deliver integrated system solutions.
• Produce and maintain functional design summaries to support understanding of design intent, functional performance and compliance evidence.
• Reviews Verification and Validation evidence to demonstrate compliance of the solutions for the safety, function and performance requirements.
• Production and Review of; non-conformances, change requests and concessions, ensuring appropriate technical assessment, decision making and control.
• Author, produce and maintain safety documentation to support platform certification activities, design assurance, acceptance and compliance demonstration.
• Produce technical assurance reports to confirm product compliance against requirements, including clear conclusions, supporting evidence and any limitations or residual risks.
• Hold Safety responsibilities via delegation.
• Monitor and implement any governance and assurance policies and procedures to ensure the ‘safe & professional’ status of the area led.
• Represent the Equipment Authority in matters relating to Common Missile Compartment structural systems, supporting informed decisions on design, build and acceptance.
• Interface with industry as the intelligent customer, both in a scrutiny role and in supporting the identification and management of application risks.
• Presenting work to design review panels and key stakeholders.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by the SDA Recruitment Team. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team via the Help link.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Membership of Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or has a demonstrated equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience and ability to obtain within 9 months.
• Relevant Level 6 (BSc, BEng or above) qualification or equivalent experience.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in structures with knowledge and application of Systems Engineering approaches.
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful structural requirements outcomes.
• Willing and able to travel between sites to support build assurance and platform certification activities.

Memberships

Membership of Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or has a demonstrated equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience and ability to obtain within 9 months.

Evidence of the Membership will be required at interview.

All memberships declared must be held at point of application and be in date.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Technical skills

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

• Application of Analytical Techniques - Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making - Practitioner
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance - Practitioner

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Application of Analytical Techniques - Practitioner
• Technical Decision Making - Practitioner

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £51,700, Ministry of Defence contributes £14,977 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our