Length of employment: Job Summary: The Security Services Group (SSG) is a specialist business unit delivering high-assurance security solutions across the MOD and wider Government Estate. With over 260 highly skilled experts based in the UK, Germany, Cyprus, and Gibraltar, SSG designs, installs, and maintains advanced security systems to protect Defence operations, national security assets, and critical government infrastructure. As the MOD's strategic technical authority, we provide cutting-edge security solutions, from intruder detection and video surveillance to access control and physical security. To learn more about SSG, visit Security Services Group - GOV.UK This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job Description: We are seeking an experienced and skilled Senior Hardware Engineer to join SSG's Development section. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and experience of working with security technologies, be self-motivated, and possess a proactive problem-solving approach to technical hardware issues. This role is based out of MOD Sealand, working within an established team of development specialists. The successful candidate will report directly to SSG's production, development and support (PDS) team leader. As Senior Hardware Engineer, your main role will be the development of SSG's next generation of IDS capabilities and support to existing hardware platforms. Specialist AC12M (SSG Alarm System) product training will be provided to external candidates as required. Key Responsibilities include: Responsible for the hardware output of development team. Approach hardware prototyping in line with developments teams' vision, actively soliciting prototypes and collaborate with section to achieve deliverables. Establish hardware prototypes and iterate them. Ensure you remain up to date with current industry standards, emerging technologies, and select the best equipment for development projects. Be responsible for the quality of your work and work in accordance with procedures, policies and responsibilities common across engineering industry. Collaborate with the PDS Team Leader on specialist technical projects as required. Coach and mentor apprentice colleagues. There may be opportunities for overtime, detached duty visits (overnight stays) and travelling time to attend other SSG, MOD and Other Government Departments (OGDs) sites as necessary depending on business needs. Opportunities to Participate in 24/7 On-Cal Rota Generous Annual Leave : 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year to a maximum of 30 days after five years of service. Career Development : Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities within the security field, helping you grow and advance your career. Equipment : Toolkit, laptop and mobile phone. Company Vehicle : You may be provided with a non-liveried company vehicle, eligible for personal use (taxable as a benefit). Family Support : Access enhanced parental leave policies to support work-life balance during important life events. Exclusive Discounts : Enjoy savings through the Defence Discount Service (fees apply), offerings deals on a range of products and services. Health and Wellbeing : Receive Specsavers eye test vouchers and access on-site gym facilities (where available). Community and Social Perks : Join the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) or the Civil Service Club in London, providing access to a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities (membership fees apply). On-Site Amenities : Many of our locations offer free parking, subsidised canteens, sports and social clubs, and on-site shops for your convenience. Inclusive Workplace : Join one of our Diversity and Inclusion Networks. We value diversity and are committed to creating an equal and supportive environment for all. 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. Essential Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences Can demonstrate working experience within a Hardware engineering role. Proficient using Microsoft Office software products. Can demonstrate working experience manufacturing, installing, maintaining or technically supporting Intrusion Detection System (IDS) systems. Awareness of VSS, AACS, PIDS and SMS security systems. Competency with technical drawing packages. Working knowledge of British, European and UK Government Standards relating to Security together with knowledge of Qulaity Assurance (QA) and Health & Safety (H&S) policies. Desirable Skills, Experience, Qualifications, Memberships & Licences Membership of Engineering Council or Security Institute. Knowledge of IPC610 standards. Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience. We use the Civil Service Success Profiles framework to ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of candidates. Your suitability for the role will be evaluated based on your experience, skills and demonstration of core behaviours throughout the process. Candidates will be required to provide a personal statement (500 words). At sift, you will be assessed agai nst your CV, personal statement and the following behaviour and technical skill: Electronic Security Installation - Practitioner Leadership When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected. At interview, you will be assessed against the following experience, behaviours and technical skill: Making Effective Decisions Working Together Seeing the Big Picture Electronic Security Installation - Practitioner Experience: Discuss your background and its relevance to the role. What to Expect The interview will explore both your professional experience and how your behaviours align with the role's requirements, we recommend using the STAR format when answering behaviour questions. Interviews are planned to take place via Microsoft Teams. 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. 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:. 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.