This post is placed within the Astraea Warhead Programme, which is responsible for enabling the UKs replacement nuclear warhead to be successfully designed, manufactured, and fielded. You would be joining a dynamic team and be working closely with partners across the UK and internationally. The N uclear Package Design Manager will be responsible for ensuring that this Astraea sub system delivers against the time, cost and performance requirements of the programme. The postholder will ensure that the suitable requirements have been defined and agreed, and that clear measures of success have been defined for these. They will be responsible for evaluation and assessment of design options presented in order to support technical and programmatic reviews and milestones. The post holder will also be responsible for the delivery of risk, schedule and benefits management against activities related to the delivery of a UK nuclear physics package and sub-systems. They will be required to attend relevant governance fora on behalf of the programme to ensure that work to deliver a nuclear physics package and related sub-systems is being delivered to the required time, cost and performance requirements. They will work closely with the Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) A21/Mk7 Materials Requirements manager to ensure that demand for strategic materials is aligned to the requirements for the Astraea nuclear physics package and sub-systems and ensure that optioneering work is reflective of realistic and credible plans for strategic materials procurement. The job holder is also responsible for some interface with U.S. stakeholders, championing dependencies and materials considerations with our international partners. The post holder will work closely with the Risk Manager to capture both risks and assumptions of the programme relating to strategic materials, ensuring they are properly captured and reported. 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. DNO Warhead Group is going through a significant operating model transformation programme which aims to improve the way that Warhead Group conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within DNO Warhead Group, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the operating model transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities within Warhead Group. Warhead Groups operating model transformation programme is committed to following the MODs framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Warhead Groups personnel and Trade Unions. Person specification Responsibilities: Leading on the development and assessment of a range of nuclear physics package design options, including the delivery of evidence in the appropriate form to inform and support major procurement decisions. Working with the primary delivery partner (AWE) to ensure that design options are credible, deliverable, meet performance and effectiveness requirements. Working with the wider Astraea team and across the Warhead Group on the delivery of Nuclear Physics Package Design options, ensuring that these are cognisant of wider programme dependencies, requirements, risks, benefits and schedule Develop oversight of offsite development work to ensure it remains aligned to DNO objectives ensuring progress is being maintained and flagging key risks. Provide suitable escalation to Nuclear Sub System (NSS) AH on critical points, to enable their strategic considerations. Deputise for the ISM A21/Mk7 NSS AH in Astraea Warhead Programme in strategic governance fora with stakeholders from industry and international governments, including under 1958 US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA), on matters relating to the Astraea Programmes material requirements, with the ability to credibility explain to international partners and industry how material considerations will impact design decisions. Qualifications: Level 5 or above qualification in a technical discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a technical field. Post-joining: Nuclear Weapons Foundation Course; Advanced Weapons Tech Course (AWTC) Essential Experience: Experience working on complex programmes Experience working on the Nuclear Weapons Programme Strong interest in UK defence Awareness of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) Desirable Experience: Knowledge of fissile and other special material; their use and management Knowledge of energetic materials; their use and management Knowledge of Nuclear Physics Package and how it functions Knowledge of design and manufacture of nuclear weapons Experience working in the Defence Nuclear Programme, with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases, or related experience. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership Working Together Changing and Improving Communicating and Influencing Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Nuc 2.2 Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme Nuc 4.2 Nuclear Weapon Concept, Assessment and Design Benefits Alongside your salary of 44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes 12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits: Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes. An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service On-site Gym (Depending on site) Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary) Thank You Scheme Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA) Defence Discount Service On-site Nursery (Depending on site) The post does not offer relocation expenses. Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this 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. The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style. Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements. Candidates are also required to complete a Personal Statement of no more than 500 words. At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and/or Statement of suitability and the following: Behaviours Leadership Working Together Changing & Improving Communicating & Influencing At interview, you will be assessed against the following: Behaviours Leadership Working Together Changing & Improving Communicating & Influencing Technical Skills Nuc 4.2 Nuclear Weapon Concept, Assessment and Design Nuc 2.2 Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme If a large number of applications are received then the sift will be based on CV, Personal Statement and the Leadership behaviour only. However, evidence should be provided against all behaviours requested. Candidates who are found to meet an acceptable standard at interview but are not successful in one of the advertised posts may be considered for similar roles within the Business Unit. *Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview* The requirements for the role have been bench marked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview. 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to 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. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out Nationality Requirements - Further Information for Candidates This post is classed as Reserved as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service [1] (Paragraph. 3.1). UK National Definition 2. The definition of a UK National can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Dual Nationals 3. As per Paragraph. 1.43 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules : a) Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one oftheir nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed. Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts 4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules : a) Departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant. 5,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. [1] Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1) You will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD. No application can be accepted after the closing date. 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to 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. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only. Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). 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. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : DNO-External Recruitment Email : DNO-Externalrecruiting@mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk. Attachments 2023_Nuclear Competence Framework_ver_2.0_O Opens in new window (pdf, 1915kB) EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB) Candidate Information updated Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)