UK Ministry of Defence
SDA Engineering System Owner (ESO) Control and Indication (C&I)

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Job Location
Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH or BAE Systems Submarines, Barrow, Cumbria LA14 1AF
Job Summary
The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work ensures the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD) and delivers complex defence programmes. 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.
We strive to Support, Deliver, and Aspire, putting our values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe everyone should feel comfortable being themselves and 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 perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.
This position is advertised for 37 hours per week. The primary delivery location is Abbey Wood, Bristol, or BAE Systems Submarines, Cumbria.
Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.
Job Description
Are you a systems engineer looking to be part of the most exciting projects in defence? The Submarine Delivery Agency is currently looking for a systems engineer to join their team.
The successful candidate will manage a team of highly-skilled engineers within the Complex Systems area to ensure the design of Dreadnought's Control and Instrumentation (C&I) systems are designed and built to the required standards. This role covers a variety of systems such as Internal Platform Communication and Data Systems (ICPDS) as well as bespoke systems, such as flood and fire detection and highly-classified electromagnetic systems.
With the move towards a joint Dreadnought and SSNA project, this role will oversee the implementation of Common As Possible Bespoke As Necessary (CAPBAN) across both projects. This is a unique opportunity to be involved with cutting-edge defence systems for the benefit of the UK's submarine programmes. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting role, have a look at the essential criteria below and apply now.
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.
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.
Person Specification
We are looking for a highly capable, adaptable individual. Being comfortable working with minimal oversight is required for this unique position. You will have a thorough understanding of submarine systems and their interrelationships. In addition, you must be comfortable engaging at all levels, with both excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have a strong leadership pedigree.
Role
In order to be successful in this role, you will need to prove that you meet the following essential criteria in your application:
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- Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng), or currently in application for it
- Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) or equivalent, or currently in application for it
- Demonstrable experience of enhancing engineering capability and promoting best practice within an engineering environment
- Ability to apply appropriate analytical methods and engineering judgement to resolve complex technical issues
- Experience in requirements management, technical evaluation, verification, validation, and acceptance activities
- Proven ability to make informed technical decisions and provide robust recommendations to stakeholders
- Experience in technical risk management, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and reporting
Qualifications
- CEng or IEng (or currently in application for it)
Memberships
- MIET or equivalent (or currently in application for it)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Leadership
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical Decision Making-Expert
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance-Expert
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £64,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £18,656 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- 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%
- Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
Artificial Intelligence
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 and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, and Technical skills.
At Sift, you will be assessed on your:
Personal Statement
This should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable requirements for the role. Candidates will be required to provide job history and qualification details.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing (CSBC4)
- Leadership (CSBC4)
Technical
- Technical Decision Making (Expert)
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance (Expert)
Personal Statement/ Experience
At Interview, you will be assessed on:
The panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements, or Qualifications.


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Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing (CSBC4)
- Leadership (CSBC4)
Technical
- Technical Decision Making (Expert)
- Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance (Expert)
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours here and the Technical Skills Framework and Success Profile documents attached.
Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.
The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the vacancy closing date. Interviews will be held on a date to be confirmed.
Requests to work flexibly and/or part-time will be considered, taking into account business needs. Please note the salary will be pro-rata where part-time hours are undertaken.
Memberships must be held in full within 12 months of being in post.
All employees joining Ministry of Defence who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed vetting (DV).
This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.
The post does NOT offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares, or temporary transfer). Non-Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into 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.
Please note the Civil Service Nationality Rules will also need to be met. The Civil Service Nationality Rules operate independently and in addition to the UK Immigration Rules and must be met before an individual can take up employment in the Civil Service. The Civil Service Nationality Rules do not apply to UK, Irish, and Commonwealth nationals, or to those who are eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme but do apply to all other nationalities - including EU/EEA nationals who are ineligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. Making the Civil Service a Great Place to Work for Veterans - GOV.UK
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.
There may be occasions
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