Location
Fareham, South East, PO17 6AD
About the job
Summary
Are YOU ready to contribute to the Defence and Security of our nation and Armed Forces?
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science, technology and engineering arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
At Dstl, we harness science and technology to protect our nation – bringing together the best people with the best ideas, and applying them in unexpected ways. Because we provide the UK government with specialist science and technology research, advice and analysis, what we do is often sensitive and collaborative. Much of our work is operationally critical and has the potential to save many lives.
The Platform Survivability Group (PSuG) group conducts research and provides advice on all aspects of survivability for current military platforms and future concepts across air, land and maritime domains. Our work impacts both research and procurement decisions, and we help to inform MOD on the survivability performance of current and future systems.
The Combat Air Survivability - Simulation (CASS) team is currently looking for Flight Simulation Software Developers to support trials conducted using a world-class operator-in-the-loop simulator. You would be supporting software development and delivery of trials for frontline military Aircrew, to assess operational effectiveness of current and future UK Fast Jet Combat Air platforms in threat environments. Our core capability is based at DE&S Abbey Wood near Bristol, and has been used by the UK, US and other F-35 nations to support Lightning II system design, capability trades, tactics development and evaluation of future improvements. We are currently developing a new facility for the frontline, to be based at RAF Marham (Norfolk), and although you will be based in Fareham, Hampshire, we will require staff to support one or both of these off-site facilities.
This capability area is rapidly growing, and consequently there will be opportunity for you to grow your skills, experience and responsibilities. You may also be required to support other areas of the group in future, depending upon aptitude and the balance of demand. Examples of the work we have supported include:
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science, technology and engineering arm of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
At Dstl, we harness science and technology to protect our nation – bringing together the best people with the best ideas, and applying them in unexpected ways. Because we provide the UK government with specialist science and technology research, advice and analysis, what we do is often sensitive and collaborative. Much of our work is operationally critical and has the potential to save many lives.
The Platform Survivability Group (PSuG) group conducts research and provides advice on all aspects of survivability for current military platforms and future concepts across air, land and maritime domains. Our work impacts both research and procurement decisions, and we help to inform MOD on the survivability performance of current and future systems.
The Combat Air Survivability - Simulation (CASS) team is currently looking for Flight Simulation Software Developers to support trials conducted using a world-class operator-in-the-loop simulator. You would be supporting software development and delivery of trials for frontline military Aircrew, to assess operational effectiveness of current and future UK Fast Jet Combat Air platforms in threat environments. Our core capability is based at DE&S Abbey Wood near Bristol, and has been used by the UK, US and other F-35 nations to support Lightning II system design, capability trades, tactics development and evaluation of future improvements. We are currently developing a new facility for the frontline, to be based at RAF Marham (Norfolk), and although you will be based in Fareham, Hampshire, we will require staff to support one or both of these off-site facilities.
This capability area is rapidly growing, and consequently there will be opportunity for you to grow your skills, experience and responsibilities. You may also be required to support other areas of the group in future, depending upon aptitude and the balance of demand. Examples of the work we have supported include:
- Development of future tactics for F-35;
- Understanding how to maximize the complimentary benefits of using F-35 and Typhoon together in combat missions;
- Support to procurement decisions e.g. platform capability improvements and weapons integration;
- Development of a new relocatable facility to support the front line.
Job description
In this role you will:
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Be responsible for timely delivery of software developments to model aircraft sub-systems, weapons, air and ground threat systems, and other associated simulator elements, including appropriate testing, validation and documentation;
- Support the successful delivery of simulation trials including the provision of advice to customers and exploitation of trial outcomes into the wider Dstl work programme(s) as appropriate;
- Contribute to influencing major procurement programmes both nationally and internationally;
- Liaise with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and interacting effectively with UK / international customers and military aircrew as necessary;
- Provide analysis and/or system engineering support, to understand Trial results and inform decisions.
- As a Level 5 take on increasing responsibility for interpreting customer requirements, developing tasks and providing mentoring and oversight of colleagues’ work where appropriate.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.
Responsibilities
We are looking for someone who has:- The ability to use their own initiative and is enthusiastic in solving problems, demonstrating intelligence, inquisitiveness and self-motivation;
- A conscientious in their approach to validation and testing of completed work, maintaining diligence, and attention to detail and responsiveness to critical review;
- An interest in Aircraft, Air Combat and Simulation including existing knowledge of aircraft and/or threat subsystems;
- Some experience of programming, or a demonstrable record of logical thinking;
- A desire to become part of a close-working team, and is resilient, including having an ability to work under pressure; and
- The flexibility to work away from site for significant periods, including a willingness to work long hours when required to meet Trial deadlines.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- A degree in a scientific, engineering or numerate discipline such as Maths, Physics or Engineering, Computing or equivalent. Alternatively, equivalent experience gained through industry, apprenticeship schemes or military service may suffice.
- You will be a technically capable person with an ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Developing Self and Others
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Ability to programme and/or demonstrate logical thinking
- Understanding of aircraft sub systems
Benefits
We'll provide a great range of benefits including;
Our Diversity Networks
We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Race, Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.
For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page
- Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
- Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month
- Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
- Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
- Chartership and accreditation support.
- Pension.
- Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
- A competitive salary.
- Onsite gyms and restaurants.
- Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.
Our Diversity Networks
We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following;
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Race, Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities.
For further information about Dstl please check out our LinkedIn page
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting.
See our vetting charter.
See our vetting charter.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
The application will ask you to complete 1 behavioural statement and answer 2 technical questions. The sift will assess your behavioural & technical questions in relation to the essential criteria listed in the job profile, this will be completed by 17th December 2021
The interview will consist of a combined behavioural and technical interview assessing your skills, experience and behaviours against the essential criteria in the job profile.
Interviews will be held week commencing 20th December 2021.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
The interview will consist of a combined behavioural and technical interview assessing your skills, experience and behaviours against the essential criteria in the job profile.
Interviews will be held week commencing 20th December 2021.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
We offer a guaranteed interview for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
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.
Apply and further information
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 : Dstl RecruitmentEmail : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk Recruitment team :Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Further information
Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.
Attachments
20210507-Job_Profile_CASS_flight_simulation _software_developer_trials_support-v0_2-O Opens in new window (docx, 55kB) Candidate Information Pack_2021_V6 Opens in new window (pdf, 4274kB)
