Combat Systems Engineer

Exciting opportunities have become available for candidates to work in the Combat System Delivery Team (CSDT) or Technology Development Management Group (TDMG), within the Engineering function of the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA).

The Engineering function enables the delivery of our equipment and support by providing specialist expertise in domain-related disciplines, such as: Mechanical, Electrical & Power Distribution; Software, Sensors & Electronic Systems; Product Safety & Environmental Protection; Quality Assurance; Ordnance Munitions & Explosives; Nuclear Engineering; and Systems Engineering & Integration. In these pan-platforms roles, within CSDT and TDMG, you will have the opportunity to work on our existing fleet of submarines as well as our future submarine capability.

The Combat System Delivery Team is responsible for providing a world class combat system capability across all Royal Navy submarines. In this role, you will manage the development, design, qualification and integration of the communications system into the Dreadnought and future nuclear submarine programme, working closely with industry partners and subject matter experts within SDA/MoD to develop and deliver an enduring capability across the submarine flotilla.

The Technology Development Management Group sits within the Chief Engineer team in SDA, with a remit to mature submarine technologies appropriately for subsequent integration onto platforms. In this role, you will manage a portfolio of combat system related technologies, from developing requirements and writing business cases, through to running competitions and managing contracts through to acceptance of final technology products and outcomes. You will work closely with the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and SDA delivery teams, to understand submarine technology needs and plan exploitation.

Please note: due to the nature of the projects involved, these roles are open to sole UK nationals only.

Responsibilities for SDA Combat Systems Engineering Manager

You will be required to carry out a variety of tasks within this application area, including the integration of new or replacement equipment – such as a sonar or communications system – into existing platforms, which must be achieved whilst ensuring that other legacy equipment can continue to operate safely and securely.

Other key roles and responsibilities include the following examples:

– Managing a variety of projects from start to finish
– Developing a thorough understanding of, and managing, technology projects
– Developing business cases/requirements/contracts
– Providing well-rounded engineering capability within a cross-functional team
– Providing engineering assurance and ensuring that products meets performance requirements
– Ensuring the delivery of technology products
– Leading or supporting the professional/competence development of the SDA Engineering function cohort
– Interfacing with industry, as the intelligent customer, both in a scrutiny role and supporting the identification of application risks
– Providing expert advice and guidance in your technical area, to solve complex technical problems and identify application risks
– Managing the technical requirements for the acquisition life-cycle stage of one or more project, programme, service or system
– Monitoring and implementing any governance and assurance policies and procedures to ensure the ‘safe & professional’ status of the area led
– Leading on the development of requirements related to your own area of specialism, including acceptance plans, performance criteria and draft specifications.

What you will be assessed against

To be found successful you must demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• You will hold a relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or demonstrate equivalent experience from within a relevant industry
• You will have experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes, from either a C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) or a Sonar technologies environment
• You will have a wide-ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in your own specialism (C4I or Sonar)

It would benefit your application should you be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Experience in a Combat Systems environment
• Technology management ability
• Experience of acquisition management

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following technical competencies:

• Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance
• Technical Decision Making

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and improving

What’s in it for you?

You will receive a generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution), annual bonuses, a flexible working pattern to fit you where possible, 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days with opportunity for movement and promotion. Some of our sites include an onsite gym, onsite restaurants, cafes and much more.

Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

About your team

Cutting-edge engineering and science is a critical component in delivering modern, battle-winning technologies to all branches of the armed forces. Engineering is the largest business area within DE&S & SDA – 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 DE&S & SDA and our industry partners and professional bodies.

Please click on the Apply button to apply for SDA Combat Systems Engineering Manager by creating an account and upload your details.