Job Description

About the job

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 out 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.

Job description

Are you ready to play a critical role in safeguarding the UK's national security? We're looking for a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our team as a Nuclear Safety Engineer for the UK's nuclear warhead. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK's Nuclear Deterrent Enterprise, supporting the safety of the nation's nuclear weapon systems while they are deployed at sea.

This role offers exceptional career development and offers unparalleled exposure to high-profile strategic operations. You'll develop a deep understanding of the Trident weapon system, play a pivotal role in supporting international treaty obligations and deliver regular briefings to senior military and civil service leaders. You'll take on the critical responsibility of ensuring compliance with nuclear safety regulations and legislation, collaborating closely with key stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety and governance.

This post may be eligible for the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to 12,000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and is dependent on a candidate's ability to successfully demonstrate and evidence their competence, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.

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. Please note that you may be required to travel between shipyards and supplier premises on occasion. You may also be asked to visit onboard the submarines themselves.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and management of the safety management system, including performance dashboards and key safety metrics Act as the primary liaison with the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator, preparing for inspections and regulatory forums Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with Defence Nuclear authorisation conditions and further authorisation conditions Serve as secretary and lead presenter at the Nuclear Safety Committee, providing expert safety insights and recommendations Evaluate the safety impact of equipment design changes and produce justifications to support nuclear weapon safety approvals Deliver assurance activities during nuclear weapon inspections and lead the development of the assurance strategy and intervention plan Hold formal safety delegation, likely to be at a safety responsible level

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience Chartered or Incorporated Engineering professional affiliation or be able to achieve within 12 months
While not required, your application would benefit from the following:

Experience of system safety policy and in system safety management tools & processes Knowledge of the Nuclear legal and regulatory framework Previous experience of working on submarines or a role supporting submarines

Behaviours

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

Communicating and Influencing Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

Compliance with Policy - Practitioner Complies with System Safety Requirements - Practitioner
Benefits

Alongside your salary of 47,600, Ministry of Defence contributes 13,789 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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%

Selection process details

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

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

At the Sift stage, you will be assessed on your;

Experience:

Personal Statement - This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable requirements for the role.

Behaviours:

Communicating and Influencing - CSBC 3 Changing and Improving - CSBC 3

Technical Competencies:

Compliance with Policy - Practitioner Complies with System Safety requirements - Practitioner
At Interview, you will be assessed against the following;

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 47,600.00 per year

Work Location: In person