DNO - Warhead Group’s Integrated Stockpile Management - Mk4A Surveillance Manager

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

This post sits in DNO Warhead Group’s Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) Mk4A Chief Engineer (CE) organisation.

Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) is responsible for the development, delivery and support of both the current in-service Trident Mk4A Re-Entry System, Future Technologies and the replacementA21/Mk7 Re-Entry System. These programmes are owned by Director ISM who maintains the responsibility for delivery of these programmes, provides direction on prioritisation and ensures joint ways of working. The ISO has two parts, the ISM A21/Mk7 and the ISM Mk4A team which share the responsibility for the MOD intelligent customer role across the entire CADMID cycle for the TRIDENT Re-Entry System (inc. applicable support equipment) and future TRES technologies. 

The Mk4A team is responsible for the development, delivery and support of the in-service TRIDENT Re-Entry System (TRES). It acts as the MOD intelligent customer role across the CADMID cycle for the Mk4A TRES and support equipment and is the intelligent customer for TRES equipment designs throughout the manufacturing, in-service and disposal phases. It also supports Nuclear Weapon operations across the life cycle phases.​ The Chief Engineer ensures that engineering standards for Stockpile Management outputs and operations are defined and applied, and that safety and performance requirements are both met and maintained. The Surveillance Manager will directly support the Safety and Environmental Manager (within the Chief Engineer Organisation) by managing the Warhead Service Life Assessment (SLA) programme.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The primary purpose of the ISM Mk4A Surveillance Manager is to:

Define, Assure and Direct the Warhead Service Life Assessment (SLA) programme to generate evidence to underwrite the safety and performance of the Nuclear Warhead Stockpile.

Act as UK Chair of the Service Life Assessment Sub-Committee (SLASC). Analyse, Resolve and Advise on technical and safety issues with US Government Departments and contractors with respect to SLASC and its working groups to ensure compatibility and assurance from the US on the Service Life Assessment of Re-entry Body Assemblies (RBA’s).

Provide technical review of the Warhead Annual Assessment of Stockpile Health (AASH) Certification statement from the Trident Design Authority, produce a formal recommendation, gain NWAA approval/endorsement and manage communications of conclusions to stakeholders.

Approve the yearly requirements submitted by AWE for setting the evidence required from the AASH process to validate the required Performance and Safety of the Warhead and predictions to Out of Service Date (OSD).

The Surveillance Manager has responsibility for:

• Providing technical oversight of UK SLA Programme for Trident Mk4 & Mk4A Warheads and providing Assurance Statements for the Performance and Safety for the Warhead;
• Acting as Chair to various UK/ US Safety and Technical Forums to direct US and UK Design Authorities for providing safety and performance evidence for continued Assurance Statements for through life of the Trident Warhead.
• Providing advice and evidence to the Regulator that the Warhead is safe throughout its lifecycle as assured by the SLA Program and the Annual Assessment of Stockpile Health (AASH). Provide advice and direction to other LCP Authorisees to manage and maintain the performance and safe operation of the Trident Warhead.

The underpinning duties include:

• Agree and approve requirements to underpin the warhead Service Life Assessment (SLA) programme to generate evidence to underwrite the safety and performance of the nuclear warhead stockpile.
• Ensure proper scrutiny and control of the SLA programme within AWE, acting as a focal point as the Technical Risk Manager for the SLA Programme.
• Manage the timely delivery of US/UK SLA evidence as required to support safety and performance assurance and manage the programme of risk mitigation to the UK stockpile.
• Agree/provide recommendations to updates and changes to US/UK Comprehensive Test Plan. Negotiate and agree information exchange and hardware delivery between the US and UK technical authorities.
• Manage the delivery and provide formal recommendation to accept the Annual Assessment of Stockpile Health (AASH) for the TRIDENT Re-Entry System (TRES), secure internal and external approvals, including managing the delivery of an independent peer review group report.
• Act as MK4A Technical specialist for Re-Entry Body Assembly (RBA) system level test results, design information and technical data, scrutinise the relevant AASH/TLA sub-component and system level technical reviews, providing oversight and, robust technical challenge to weapon performance and safety submissions to ensure the stockpile is safe and will perform throughout life.
• Support the MK4A Project Office to ensure that adequate project management is applied to the SLA programme and that all risks are identified, sentenced and escalated as appropriate to ensure the risks to evidence delivery are mitigated.
• Manage effective stakeholder engagement with the Design Authority and MoD Stakeholders on the design safety and performance issues for the TRES.

This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

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.

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.

Person specification

We are looking for an experienced engineering or science professional with the ability to provide technical leadership, assurance and risk management across a complex, highly regulated programme. Candidates should be capable of interpreting complex technical information, providing robust challenge and delivering clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Skills
• Knowledge of Safety & Environmental Management Systems
• Understanding of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Ordnance Munitions Explosives

Systems Engineering Management.

Desirable Qualifications

HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a science or engineering subject or relevant HM Forces engineering management experience.

Systems Engineering (Awareness) Course

Membership (or ability to become member) of a Professional Engineering or Science Institution, accredited by Engineering Council with route to Incorporation or Chartership.

Risk Management

Desirable Skills

2 years’ experience of working in the Defence nuclear programme with knowledge of policies and procedures across all life cycle phases or related experience.

Knowledge of Nuclear Warhead Design and Components, including safety related features.

Knowledge of SWS and NW processing activities, energetic materials

Practitioner level understanding of the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) and PSA Technical Arrangements.

Practitioner Level knowledge of Management of the Nuclear Weapon Programme (DSA 02 and NW SPSCs)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Nuc 2.2 Management of Nuclear Weapons Programme.
• Nuc 6.2 Nuclear Weapon, Interfacing Equipment Maintenance and Supporting Infrastructure Maintenance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes

£13,337 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%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• On-site Gym
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service
• On-site Nursery (site dependent)

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.

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 exem