Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) - VACAS Lead Engineer

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UKs nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UKs 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 well achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The primary delivery location for this position is Bristol Abbey Wood.

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 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.

The Vanguard and Astute Class Availability & Sustainment Programme (VACAS) is intended to direct, coordinate and oversee implementation of Engineering and other related project activities required to achieve life extensions of Vanguard and Astute Class Submarines until they are replaced by newer classes of Submarine. The successful applicant will be the specialist Engineering lead for this project, working and with Industrial Partners, Navy Command and reporting to The VACAS Engineering Manager. The project delivers into the In-Service Submarines Design Authorities to embed the Engineering required to permit life extensions whilst demonstrating platforms remain safe, available, capable and sustainable. This role would suit an Engineer who wishes to grow their knowledge and experience of complex system integration projects.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

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 at[email protected]

This role would suit an individual who is confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders with demands driven from the highest levels of Defence. The ability to work with incomplete and occasionally conflicting data to tight timescales is vital to success in this role. The candidate will require excellent interpersonal skills to deal with the range of stakeholders and be confident in taking the programme forward in a highly pressured environment where the work delivered contributes directly to the provision of Safe and Capable Submarines and the associated certification.

Essential Criteria:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or equivalent relevant professional registration
• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering / Science Institute or equivalent body.
• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes.
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with a broad understanding of the interdependencies between your work and related systems.