UK Ministry of Defence
SDA Naval Architect / Marine Engineer (Surface Ship Escape Evacuation and Rescue)
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MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, Avon BS34 8JH
Job Summary
This role within the UK Naval Authority is hosted by the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), which is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK's nuclear submarines. The Naval Authority & Technology Group certifies all Royal Navy (RN) surface warships and submarines, as well as small-boats, autonomous and novel craft. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, from ensuring the security of the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), to 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: of every hour of every day. The UK surface fleet protects our nation, international trade on the high seas, UK dependencies and interests wherever and whenever our government requires.
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 per week.
The primary delivery location for this position is Bristol Abbey Wood.
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.
Please note that the role involves frequent travel (and carriage of PPE) to ports and naval bases around the UK (primarily Portsmouth and Devonport) to carry out ship surveys. Due to this a full UK driving licence is essential for the role and is required to be held at the point of application.
Job Description
An opening has arisen for a Naval Architect / Marine Engineer to join the Naval Authority & Technology Group (NATG).
IMPORTANT: THIS ROLE IS INVOLVED IN SURFACE SHIPS/BOATS ONLY.
The NATG is a pan-maritime group of highly skilled, forward-thinking engineers responsible for safety certification of MOD shipping and the provision of subject matter expert advice in associated technical areas. In this role you will have specific responsibility for the delivery of timely, efficient and effective Escape, Evacuation and Rescue (EER) certification activities across all classes of MOD surface ships and boats. You’ll help to make sure our ships meet the highest standards, support real-world operations, collaborate with experts across other NATG technical areas and explore the interface between military and commercial ship standards.
This is a role where your work genuinely makes a difference — you’ll help protect lives, support MOD shipping, and shape the future of maritime safety.
The main responsibilities of the post include, but are not limited to:
Certification Work:
- Supporting EER certification activities for MoD surface ships and boats (in-service and acquisition projects).
- Reviewing and auditing Requests for Certification (RfC) submissions and ship drawings to ensure they meet the required EER standards.
- Identifying non-compliances, recommending clauses, and collaborating with stakeholders for their management and resolution.
Management Of Non-compliances:
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- Processing clauses in the NATG information management system.
- Collecting, collating, and presenting EER statistics in relevant NATG meetings.
- Reviewing evidence and liaising with stakeholders for the management and resolution of non-compliances.
Survey Of MoD Vessels:
- Arranging and preparing for surveys.
- Surveying ships (at bases and ports in the UK and occasionally overseas) to check for compliance with the required EER standards.
- Carrying out follow on activities such as survey report writing and working with stakeholders for deficiency management and rectification.
Investigation And Policy Development:
- Reviewing 1st party MoD vessel inspection reports and making recommendations.
- Investigating areas and contributing new ideas for evolving EER policy and processes.
- Supporting the development of NATG policy and processes.
Advisory And Collaboration:
- Attending meetings with MoD vessel operators and industry.
- Providing advice on EER regulations for in-service vessels and acquisition projects.
Admin And Documentation:
- Processing and storing all relevant material appropriately, supporting the maintenance of accurate records.
This role offers excellent exposure to real-world ship systems, design assurance and maritime operations. You’ll receive access to expert mentorship, specialist training, site visits and opportunities to grow your maritime engineering expertise.
You will contribute professionally to the work of a busy technical specialist section, maintaining standards and providing advice and support to ship’s staffs and industry on issues relating to EER regulations. The section is engaged to continuously improve how EER is applied in a military context, ensuring the highest standards for the preservation of life at sea.
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 via the Help link.
Person specification
Maritime experience and the ability to apply enquiring, analytical and methodical engineering skills in a challenging but flexible and supportive environment, are essential. Background knowledge of the INSA Naval Ship Code (NSC) and IMO SOLAS are desirable.
Essential Skills
- Working towards Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or equivalent relevant professional registration. This can be obtained once the successful applicant starts in post.
- Member of a relevant Professional Engineering / Science Institute or equivalent body at any membership level.
- Relevant Level 4 (or higher) qualification accredited by a UK Professional Engineering / Science Institute or equivalent experience.
- Experience of providing technical advice and delivery of successful engineering outcomes.
- Technical experience within a Maritime Engineering environment.
- The successful applicant must hold a full UK driving licence at the point of application. This is due to the role involving frequent travel (and carriage of PPE) to ports and naval bases around the UK (primarily Portsmouth and Devonport) to carry out ship surveys.
Licences
- Hold a Full UK Driving Licence.
- Evidence of the Licence will be required at interview.
- All licences declared must be held at point of application and be in date.
Memberships
- Member of a relevant Professional Engineering / Science Institute or equivalent body at any membership level.
- Evidence of Membership will be required at interview.
- All memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date.
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Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Supervised Practitioner
Salary
Alongside your salary of £39,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,472 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).
Benefits
- 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 - which should be a maximum of 1000 words that sets out your motivation for applying and shows how your skills and experience meet the essential / desirable requirements for the role.
- CV - Please Outline Your Job History, Full Qualification Details And Previous Skills/experience. Within These Sections You Will Be Assessed Against The Following Categories:
- Key Achievements
- Relevant Experience
- Applied Knowledge and Skills
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical Competencies
- EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Supervised Practitioner
At Interview you will be assessed on;
Behaviours
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical Competencies
- EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Supervised Practitioner
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Supervised Practitioner
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours here and the Technical Skills Framework and Success Profile documents attached.
The sift will be completed within 10 working days of the
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