Ship Standards Autonomy Advisor (Assurance)

Do you have a background in autonomy and software assurance?

Are you confident at building relationships with stakeholders?

Would you like to input and help develop standards and frameworks to make a positive change to maritime safety and environmental protection?

If so, wed love to hear from you!

The Future Technical StandardsTeam sits within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) Directorate of UK Maritime Services (UKMS) and plays a vital role in developing and maintaining the UK's maritime safety and environmental regulations. Working across a diverse portfolio, the team is responsible for standards affecting all types of vessels, from small pleasure craft to large internationally trading ships. This is a technically challenging and rewarding role at the heart of maritime regulation, where you will help shape policy, develop regulatory requirements, and support the delivery of the UK's maritime objectives. You'll work closely with operational colleagues across the MCA, government departments, international maritime administrations, and industry stakeholders to address emerging issues and drive continuous improvement. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a collaborative environment while influencing the future of maritime safety and environmental protection, this role offers a unique platform to make a meaningful impact.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the Kings birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at MCA:

MCA roles: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Your responsibilities will include, but arent limited to:

1. Supported by Senior Colleagues lead on a specific subject matter remit: autonomy (including AI) and software assurance, and software integrity.
2. Work with others in the team and the Innovation Hub to manage Stakeholder Groups and represent MCA at such meetings as well as other meetings, working groups, project groups and external events as required in support of key responsibilities and the work of Stakeholder Groups.
3. Supported by Senior Colleagues, lead on the drafting of instructions for Government lawyers to facilitate the timely implementation of regulations and draft codes and guidance to implement UK objectives for shipping safety. Coordinate the development of associated impact assessments in conjunction with Government economists.
4. To partake in MCA and externally funded Research Projects as requested.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile.Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Required experience:

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

1. Experience and technical knowledge of autonomy (including AI), software and assurance processes and developments, which may be obtained through education, research or practical experience.
2. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a high standard of drafting ability to allow them to draft quality submissions and other documents.
3. Demonstrable knowledge of and experience in use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel and emails.
4. A passport valid for international travel is required.

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 23 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

This role requires occasional UK and overseas travel which may involve overnight stays and working outside of normal hours, potentially at weekends.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.