Royal Navy – Marine Systems Trials Officer

UK Ministry of Defence; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Victory Building, Portsmouth Naval Base

Job Summary

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your analytical skills in direct support of the Royal Navy (RN) front line? The RN Maritime Capability, Trials and Assessment (MCTA) organisation is looking for a proactive engineer to join our highly professional workforce to go onboard ships in harbour and at sea, around UK and occasionally overseas, to assess and assure capability of the marine systems in readiness for operations worldwide.

MCTA is a fast-paced team of Military and Civil Servants led by a Royal Navy Captain, who face a constantly evolving vista of work carrying out assessment and assurance of equipment on aircraft carriers, warships, and smaller military vessels.

MCTA’s Marine Systems Group, specifically the Machinery Trials and Assessment Unit (MTAU), is responsible for the delivery of marine systems trials across new build, regenerating (from refit/upkeep) and In-Service surface ships, from aircraft carriers to landing craft. Trials range from power generation & distribution, propulsion, supporting auxiliaries to domestic services which in their entirety make up a significant portion of a ship’s availability and capability.

This role is mainly, but not exclusively, focussed on the delivery of trials for Royal Navy vessels. The scope of the role runs from researching marine systems design and operating parameters, writing trials documentation, undertaking trials, analysing data and writing up trial reports. There is also a role in providing advice and guidance on the requirement for and conduct of trials as well as support to new build platforms with a focus on Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships.

This role would suit applicants of an analytical / technical background with a curiosity in maintaining operational capability standards of marine systems.

The position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

This role delivers the duties of an MCTA Marine Systems Trials Officer for all relevant system related activities, including the maintenance of professional standards through training and development to deliver Operational capability assessments as required by NCHQ, DE&S and the Naval Authority and Technology Group. This needs to be supported by the ability to work independently along with good leadership and communication skills that have been proven in a team working environment. This is a challenging but rewarding role that also provides the opportunity for personal development and the ability to improve and progress your career.

Whilst based in Victory Building in Portsmouth, the role is required to visit other locations around the UK and on occasions abroad to conduct assurance visits and progress meetings. Weekend working and nights away at sea and in other locations can be expected.

The Key Tasks For This Role Are:

On behalf of key stakeholders within Navy Command and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to provide capability assurance by evaluating and assessing marine propulsion and auxiliary systems with a particular focus on RN and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels but also other Surface Ships as required. To act independently as directed.

Trials To Be Conducted In Accordance With The Current Shipping Regulations, Defence Standards, Classification Society Rules, Books Of Reference And Operating Manuals, Through The Conduct Of:

• Factory acceptance tests.
• New build trials.
• Pre and post upkeep trials.
• Large repair trials.
• Ship performance assessment trials.
• Analysis of Ship’s Staff conducted trials reports.
• Final Installation Inspections (FII) on completion of alterations and additions (A&A).
  
  

Key Activities Include:

• Production of defect lists.
• Compilation, assessment and commentary on the Main Propulsion Installation Report Form.
• Writing of reports and signals.
• Management of administration for trials including travel, accommodation, and overtime authorisation requirements in line with current MCTA processes to support trials.
  
  

To update trials requirements and procedures following trials experience and studies of specifications, drawings and machinery operating instructions.

To provide advice on the content and order of Harbour and Sea Trials programmes to Platform and Equipment Authorities, Ship Builders, Upkeep Managers and Ship’s Staff.

To provide feedback and dialogue on marine engineering matters arising from the conduct of trials to the appropriate equipment and platform desks in DE&S, support teams, and industry partners.

The post holder is expected to have an informed opinion on matters that affect MCTA and the Directorate as a whole and contribute to initiatives to improve the conduct and cost of business activities.

Person specification

You will already hold at least an HNC (Adv Cert) in engineering, such as Marine Engineering, or equivalent. A Foundation or full Degree in engineering, preferably mechanical or marine related is desirable.

You will need to hold a Full UK Manual Driving licence and be willing to drive MOD provided vehicles.

The successful candidate must be medically fit in order to conduct trials at sea. An ENG1 medical is required but can be conducted on completion of a successful interview.

The successful applicant will ideally have, or be willing to work towards, developing their knowledge on marine system equipment and systems in operation by the RN and RFA.

Civil Servant Eligibility

This vacancy is open to employees who already hold the substantive grade for the post and were appointed to the Civil Service on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent Civil Service post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners’ rules.

Please note that priority will be given to staff seeking level transfer who have been assigned Priority Mover status.

Candidates in their probationary period are not eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
  
  

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
  
  

Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other Benefits For Navy Command Civil Servants Include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service plus Bank Holidays
• A very competitive pension scheme
• Personal & professional development tailored to your role
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Cycle to work scheme/season ticket loans
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
  
  

In MCTA, we understand the everyday commitments both inside and outside the workplace, so our aim is to provide the flexibility to maintain a great work-life balance. We also offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including access to a gymnasium within the Naval Base, Cafe Neo coffee shop in Victory Building, a small local convenience store nearby, free car parking, and the option of membership of HMS NELSON Wardroom Mess. Victory Building is well located in the Naval Base and within walking distance of Portsmouth Harbour station and the shopping opportunities at Gunwharf Quays.

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Selection process details

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

Applications Will Be Focused On Success Profiles, And During The Selection Process We Will Assess Your Experience For The Role And Seek Evidence Of The Following Behaviours:

• Leadership
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making effective decisions
  
  

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

• Communicating and influencing
• Leadership
  
  

Candidates Will Be Required To Provide:

• a CV to include job history, qualification details and skills.
• a Statement of Suitability of no more than 250 words showing their experience relevant to this role.
  
  

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.

This vacancy will require selected applicants to attend an interview in Victory Building in Portsmouth.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly.

Your application must be completed by 23:55 on the closing date of the vacancy. Late submissions cannot be accepted.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

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

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Job Contact :

• Name : Commander Tim Ciaravella
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].