Technical Security Development Engineer

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Tathall End; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK is looking for a skilled engineer to contribute to the design and development of innovative security systems. You will work collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams to ensure robust solutions that meet security specifications. Candidates should have formal technical training and skills in designing and supporting physical security systems. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Civil Service Pension

Generous holiday entitlement

Access to training and development opportunities

On-site gym, nursery, and café

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in designing, installing and supporting technical physical systems.
• Ability to communicate technical details in written form.

Responsibilities

• Develop and create both prototypes and working systems.
• Collaborate with suppliers to design and support operations.
• Ensure products meet security and client specifications.

Education

Formal technical training to BTEC/HNC level or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Designing engineering solutions. Earthquake-proofing embassies. Managing construction contracts in challenging locations. Just a few examples of the incredible work our Engineering team does. They're the people who plan, design, and deliver innovation across all corners of the globe. Now, you've got the opportunity to join them.

Bringing energy to embassies.

Designing systems that protect.

Realising the power of your skills.

It all matters.

Design and develop the bespoke spaces that keep our clients safe and secure.

Role Responsibilities

Our Innovation & Development teams work on the advanced new technical security products and services we need to complete our global missions, and when you join us in this important role you'll focus on resolving the challenges involved in producing the systems and capabilities required by secure spaces.

Developing and creating both prototypes and working systems, and collaborating with our suppliers as you design both the spaces and the technology needed to support their successful operation, you'll have a strong focus on supplying robust, value‑engineered, quality products and solutions that underpin and build confidence in the work we do. We'll also expect you to challenge the status quo as you test products to ensure they meet strict security and client specifications, and expand our testing regime to cover any potential installation issues the equipment may face.

Use all your specialist technical skills as you help to protect the UK's interests.

You’ll be working with a group of highly committed and experienced professionals, so we’ll expect you to have a strong team ethic, excellent problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to generate ideas, secure agreed solutions to achieve positive objectives and learn quickly about new technologies. Highly self‑motivated, it’s vital that you’re capable of working at pace without compromising on quality, and in addition to a strong interest in the latest physical security technologies, you’ll be ready to learn about and understand new disciplines.

Want to see your future team's work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/.

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world. The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It's what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we're recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it's how you know you're joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Application Requirements

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment; they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• skills and experience
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful will be invited to a MS Teams or Face to face interview.

At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical skills and behaviours.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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

Security and Clearance

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting.

See our vetting charter.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Professional Profile

There’ll be times when you’ll be working with our customers and stakeholders, so you should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the flexibility to deliver across multiple workstreams, prioritise tasks and drive the successful delivery of objectives. When it comes to qualifications you’ll have formal technical training to BTEC/HNC level in appropriate disciplines or their equivalent, and membership of a professional body such as the IET or the Security Institute would be a plus. In addition, practical workshop skills relating to the installation of technical security systems would be desirable, as would experience of producing and proofing written technical submissions.

Key Skills

• Formal technical training to (BTEC/HNC) - level in appropriate disciplines or equivalent
• Experience of designing, installing and supporting technical physical systems or equivalent.
• Experience in communicating technical details in written form. Examples: production of problem statements and recommendations, business cases, method statements, requirements and test criteria, user manuals and installation guides.

Behavioural Selection Criteria

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical Evaluation

• Commercial Awareness
• Formal technical training to (BTEC/HNC) - level in appropriate disciplines or equivalent
• Experience of designing, installing and supporting technical physical systems or equivalent.
• Experience in communicating technical details in written form. Examples: production of problem statements and recommendations, business cases, method statements, requirements and test criteria, user manuals and installation guides.

About FCDO Services

At FCDO Services we protect the UK's interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Benefits and Compensation

But we’re always looking to improve - just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on‑site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It’s a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Alongside your salary of £41,036, FCDO Services contributes £11,888 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
• A leave allowance of 25 days per annum
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days