SDA Watertight Integrity Engineer

Ministry Of Defence; Bradley Stoke; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government defense organization in the UK is seeking a mechanical engineer to lead submarine structures technical initiatives. Responsibilities include providing governance and technical leadership on complex projects. Applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience in maritime engineering. This role offers a salary of £50,500 and benefits including flexible working options and a generous pension contribution.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Inclusive and diverse culture

Qualifications

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer on appointment or within 9 months.
• Experience in Naval Authority or in-service teams.
• Experience of delivery of successful outcomes in multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide submarine structures technical leadership.
• Develop and lead technical investigations and engineering activities.
• Provide governance and expert advice on complex projects.

Skills

Maritime engineering experience

Technical Risk Management

Technical Decision Making

Collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification

Job description

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 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 we’ll achieve the extraordinary.

This position is advertised at 37 hours a week. Are you a structures or mechanical engineer inspired to work on sophisticated, cutting‑edge projects? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our Naval Authority Technology Group (NATG). Here, you’ll work at the forefront of engineering, science and technology to solve unique technical challenges, protect submariner health, and contribute significantly to our projects by collaborating with experts worldwide.

For a submarine to meet its operational requirements there must be many openings within the watertight boundary to facilitate access and essential systems for operating and controlling the submarine. Failure of any opening will result in loss of Watertight Integrity (WTI) and can lead to uncontrollable flooding with significant consequences. The SM WTI Section assures WTI systems, structures and components are designed, tested, maintained and operated safely.

The SM‑WTI1 post contributes to the delivery of all aspects of WTI across the submarine enterprise including in‑service, in‑build, future classes and disposals. The post holder will support the development and implementation of the long‑term strategy for improvement in WTI, review, research and develop technical standards and processes for WTI systems and components, and investigate novel technologies or applications for WTI components including hull valves, hard systems, hull penetrations, fasteners and hatches. The post will challenge the status quo by developing and planning engineering activities to improve safety and inform policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide submarine structures technical leadership to solve complex problems with innovative solutions to support improved performance and enhance capability. Ensure proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited.
• Provide governance, assurance and expert advice on complex projects in submarine structures to guide and influence senior leaders, scientists and decision makers.
• Discharge Naval Authority Reviewing Officer (NARO) responsibilities.
• Develop and lead technical investigations and engineering activities.
• Provision of guidance and advice to all submarine projects.
• Maintenance of standards and technical publications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification.
• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer on appointment or within 9 months of appointment and Member of a relevant Professional Engineering Institute or equivalent body.
• Maritime engineering experience, including experience in Naval Authority or in‑service teams.
• Experience of delivery of successful outcomes in multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong team working skills and a collaborative approach.
• Demonstrable experience of working with external stakeholders.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and challenge engineering data.
• Effective decision making.
• Ability to work at pace.

Essential Skills

• Technical Risk Management – EFCF 5 (Practitioner).
• Technical Decision Making – EFCF 4 (Practitioner).
• Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in own specialism with knowledge and application of submarine structures.

Desirable Skills

• Committing and influencing leadership.
• Working together.

Benefits

• Alongside your salary of £50,500, Ministry of Defence contributes £14,629 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• 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 %.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post. Successful candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before starting the role.

Security: Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before appointment. Security check applies. See our vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard checks.

We do not offer relocation allowances and are not currently providing sponsorship for skilled worker visas. If you require sponsorship the application will be rejected.

Artificial Intelligence may support your application but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.