Ship Systems Engineering System Owner

Job summary

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence 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 smaller 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, our team will find a community to 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 primary delivery location for this position is either Bristol or Barrow-in Furness.

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

Job description

The SSNA Engineering System Owner (ESO) Ship Systems role is an engineering post within the SSNA engineering team that supports the SSNA Deputy Chief Engineer–Platform (DCE) in the delivery of safety and engineering outcomes for the SSNA platform. The ESO Ship Systems works as part of the Major Systems Approving Authority (MSAA) for platform systems.

The role requires Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) to make informed, evidence-based decisions on behalf of the DCE-Platform in Mechanical Systems aspects of the platform design.

The incumbent in the ESO Ship Systems role holds a Safety and Environmental Responsible (SER) safety delegation from the SDA Technical Director delegating responsibility to undertake activities on their behalf within the Platform MSAA.

The ESO Ship Systems is responsible for:

• Management and delivery of SSNA’s Mechanical Systems design through interpretation of user requirements, direction to the shipbuilder and prioritisation of engineering delivery activities to support SSNA key objectives.
• Provision of sound technical advice to the Platform Authority (PA) and deputies as an SME and system owner, enabling timely and effective decision making to support delivery of a safe, capable and available submarine platform.
• Delegated approval of Ship Systems elements of the SSNA design, product and safety case against functional, non-functional and safety requirements within the Platform MSAA.
• Effective liaison with the Regulator’s certification authority (Naval Authority & Technical Group), and preparation of Key Hazard Certification submissions for Stability, Manoeuvring & Control, Watertight Integrity and Navigation on behalf of the PA.

The ESO Ship Systems will as required deputise for the DCE-Platform as Whole Boat Approving Authority and Platform Authority and in doing so will be:

• Delegated authority from the DCE-Platform to take decisions up to Significance Level 4 in accordance with SSNA 4-7 Design Decisions Process.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.

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

In order to be successful in your application, please provide evidence of the following essential criteria:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or equivalent relevant professional registration
• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering/Science Institute or equivalent body
• Relevant Level 6 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience of providing technical advice at a senior level and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes in multidisciplinary projects.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with a broad understanding of the interdependencies between your work and related systems.

Qualifications

Relevant Level 6 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience.

Memberships

Member of a relevant Professional Engineering/Science Institute or equivalent body.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• Technical Decision Making - Expert
• Technical Risk Management - Expert
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance - Expert

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

• Technical Decision Making - Expert
• Technical Risk Management - Expert

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £64,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £18,656 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 candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

At Sift, you will be assessed against the following;

Experience:

• Personal Statement - This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying a