UK Ministry of Defence
(SDA) Nuclear Propulsion Cyber Security Lead

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH
Rolls-Royce Submarines, Raynesway, Derby, DE21 7BE
Job Summary
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 per week.
The primary delivery location for this position is Bristol Abbey Wood or Raynesway, Derby.
Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.
Job Description
This post leads on cyber security assurance within Nuclear Propulsion's (NP's) Security Team. The focus of the post is primarily on audit and assurance of information systems used in the Submarine Enterprise supply chain and also on digital systems used on submarines and in their manufacture and support. A good understanding of MOD Security policies is needed along with a good understanding of data management systems.
This is a key post within NP’s Security team and includes responsibilities to:
- Provide expert advice and guidance in supporting the delivery of Information Assurance strategy, policy and solutions.
- Lead the testing of relevant controls on the implementation of any system, platform or infrastructure to ensure alignment with security architecture and policy.
- Act as Security Accreditor to ensure all networks and systems are compliant with policy. Providing appropriate advice and guidance when gaps are identified and escalate where appropriate.
- Undertake information assurance reviews and lead audits and provide management information on reviews, both internally and externally with Industry Partners, presenting the findings across stakeholder groups.
The role works closely with external parties in the supply chain and other parts of the Submarine Enterprise. Work includes auditing and authorizing systems for handling Naval Nuclear Propulsion Project Information (NNPPI), advising on such and providing expert guidance on system management.
Given the expansion in the NP supply chain and the complexity of the resulting systems landscape, this is a key role and one whose importance is increasing. The role manages a cyber security colleague.
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.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints, typically at least 3 days per week at business premises (not necessarily always the Bristol MOD offices). Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. 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.
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 at candidate@support.oleeo.com
Person specification
The key capabilities required to do this job effectively are:
- The ability to manage and deal effectively with a wide range of inputs and requests
- Successfully delegating tasks to staff and supporting them as necessary
- Being able to prioritise changing requests and requirements
- Dealing with complex situations with clarity of thought and consistency
- The ability to develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- The ability to communicate clearly, concisely and consistently to a wide range of people
- Being able to see the bigger picture and use this to explain individual decisions
- To coach others through sometimes complex issues and challenges
- Be prepared and capable to explain and stick to a difficult decision.
Ultimately, the ability to respond quickly, effectively and professionally to a complex and ever-changing series of requirements.
Qualifications
- CompTIA Security+, or CISMP, or relevant experience.
- ISO/IEC27001 Info Sec Man Foundation or relevant experience.
- NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP) Foundation Certificate or relevant experience.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Information Assurance - Practitioner
- Knowledge and Information Management - Supervised Practitioner
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £47,600, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,789 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/


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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 against the following;
Experience:
- 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.
Behaviours (Level CSBC3):
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical Competencies:
- Information Assurance - Practitioner
- Knowledge and Information Management - Supervised Practitioner
At Interview, you will be assessed against the following;
Experience:
- Personal Statement/ Experience - The panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements or Qualifications.
Behaviours: (Level CSBC3)
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
Technical Competencies:
- Information Assurance - Practitioner
- Knowledge and Information Management - Supervised Practitioner
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.
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.
In the event of a high volume of applications, an initial sift will be based on the lead behaviour which is Seeing the big picture.
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.
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).
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
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location