UK Ministry of Defence
Submarine Naval Architect
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MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, Avon, BS34 8JH
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 out 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.
A role within the Submarine Naval Architecture team within the Naval Authority & Technology Group which is accountable for the assurance of maritime key hazards, developing standards and guidance for safe and capable vessels, and conducting underpinning R&D, focused on the area of submarine Propulsor.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
The primary delivery location for this position is Bristol Abbey Wood.
Please note, due to the level of security, this role is reserved for UK nationals only.
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.
Job Description
Are you ready for your next career move into a cutting-edge role at the forefront of submarine technology? The Naval Authority & Technology Group (NATG) is seeking a passionate and skilled Naval Architect to join our Submarine Naval Architecture team, specialising in submarine propulsors — a critical area ensuring the safety, capability, and innovation of the UK’s underwater fleet.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop deep technical expertise in submarine hydromechanics and propulsor technology, working with advanced Naval Architecture tools.
- Lead the Propulsor Technical Coordination Group (TCG), shaping the long-term Research and Development strategy that drives the future of submarine propulsion design.
- Chair the Propulsor Working Group, mentor and develop Subject Matter Experts, and provide expert guidance to project teams across the organisation.
- Conduct impactful case studies and second party assurance reviews on manoeuvring, control, and stability hazards, ensuring the highest standards of vessel safety.
- Conduct second party assurance reviews underpinning Stability Key Hazards Design, Manufacture and Repair certification as a Naval Authority Reviewing Officer.
- Collaborate with international partners on exciting naval architecture projects, with opportunities to travel and participate in submarine trials.
- Lead and inspire graduate Naval Architects, helping to build the next generation of naval engineering talent.
- Support business management activities including project management, commercial oversight, and financial duties.
You Will:
- Be at the heart of pioneering research and development that safeguards and advances the UK’s submarine capabilities.
- Work with world-class experts in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and real-world submarine trials.
- Enjoy a role that blends technical challenge, leadership, and international engagement.
- Make a tangible impact on national security and maritime innovation.
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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 Successful Candidate Will Need To Demonstrate:
- The ability to lead a large programme of work covering propulsor research.
- Have extensive experience of working with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Experience in developing an Research and Development strategy.
- Experience of ship or submarine propulsion.
- Experience of ship or Submarine hydrodynamics / Hydrostatics.
Essential Criteria:
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or has demonstrated equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
- Member of a relevant Professional Engineering Institute or equivalent body.
- Relevant Level 6 (e.g. BEng) or higher Naval Architecture qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful naval architecture outcomes.
- Wide ranging depth and breadth of technical experience in naval architecture.
Memberships
- Member of a relevant Professional Engineering Institute or equivalent body.
Evidence of the Qualification/Licence/Membership will be required at interview.
All qualifications/licences/memberships declared must be held at point of application and be in date.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Seeing the Big Picture
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Practitioner
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Practitioner
Salary and 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. 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/
This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.
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.
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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:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working together
- Seeing the Big Picture
Technical:
- EFCF 2 Application of Analytical Techniques - Practitioner
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Practitioner
At Interview, you will be assessed on;
- Personal Statement/ Experience - The panel will ask questions about your personal statement. Exploring your Past Experiences, Key Achievements or Qualifications.
Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical:
- EFCF 4 Technical Decision Making - Practitioner
- EFCF 3 Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance - Practitioner
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours here and the Technical Skills Framework and Success Profile documents attached.
Interviews will be conducted on site.
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.
To be considered for this role, qualifications and/or memberships detailed must be held in full, prior to submitting your application.
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.
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