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, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence.
Here you'll find a community to belong to - whether that's alongside project teams with a shared vision or as part of an employee network of like-minded individuals. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and perspectives, together we'll achieve the extraordinary.
We offer 25+ days' holiday, flexible and hybrid working, enhanced parental leave schemes, shopping discounts, and an exceptional employer pension contribution of around 27%, to help work work for you.
Nationality, visas and vetting: For security reasons this role is open to sole UK nationals only. A 'sole UK national' refers to an individual who holds citizenship solely in the UK, without dual citizenship or nationality from another country. We're unable to offer visa sponsorship.
This role requires you to have lived in the UK for the last 5 years and obtain Security Clearance. Security Clearance must be obtained without any caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role you have been recruited for. If it isn't obtained, or is obtained but with caveats that prevent you from carrying out the role, any conditional offer made to you will be withdrawn. Obtaining SC security clearance can be a lengthy process, and we reserve the right to withdraw any conditional offer made if the necessary security clearance isn't obtained within 12 months.
Job description
Are you a Safety Engineer or a Safety Professional with a passion for supporting the defence of the United Kingdom? Do you want to work in an environment where you can develop your skills and experience while supporting the UK's Royal Navy? If you are driven by the desire to contribute to national security and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment, this may be the perfect new role for you.
We are looking for Safety Professionals or Safety Engineers to become an integral part of the In-Service Submarines (ISM) team. This team manages the submarine fleet, owning the design requirements and ensuring the submarines are safe to operate. The roles offer a unique opportunity to specialise in different aspects of submarine safety and design.
As one of our Safety Professionals, you will provide safety analysis, advice, and guidance across various aspects of submarine safety. You will contribute to the overall safety of submarines, ensuring that all safety protocols and procedures are meticulously followed to maintain the highest standards of safety. Your role will be pivotal in advising on safety related matters and ensuring the safe operation and rescue capabilities of submarines, contributing to the overall mission of Continuous at Sea Deterrence (CASD). Your expertise will be essential in providing assurance on product safety elements and contributing to the overall Safety Management Arrangements within the ISM team.
This post may be eligible for the NSQEP Recruitment Retention Allowance of up to £4000 per annum. This allowance is discretionary and will be dependent on a candidate's ability to successfully demonstrate the necessary competency, qualifications, and experience to an independent panel of Subject Matter Experts.
At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.
What you'll be doing
As one of our Safety Engineers or Safety Professionals you will use your leadership communication and influencing skills to build strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to obtain and relay information critical to these projects.
Depending on the role you are assigned, your key responsibilities may include some of the following:
- Conducting safety-related testing, analysis and reporting on the structures, components and systems, contributing to safety certification and documentation
- Reviewing and updating the Safety and Environmental Management Plan and providing input to ISM's Safety Management Arrangements
- Providing specialized safety analysis and guidance to the Design Authority and Naval Architecture, ensuring compliance with safety requirements
- Evaluating equipment systems and procedures used in submarine rescue designs worldwide, ensuring they adhere to the highest safety standards
- Ensuring compliance with relevant UK legislation, SDA, and MOD policies and regulations
- Advising on the application of safety management systems
- Leading and supporting the development of safety management plans, arrangements, and safety cases
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of policy and process to satisfy the SDA corporate standards for safety management and regulations
- Providing safety management leadership and supporting internal and external stakeholders, with potential line management responsibilities.
- Supporting safety assurance activities within the various SDA project teams
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Have Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Safety Professional or Scientist status, OR achieve it within the next 6 months
- Hold a Level 4 qualification (i.e., HNC) or higher qualification in a relevant engineering discipline, OR you will be able to demonstrate the equivalent experience
- Have experience of providing safety advice and/or delivering safe products or services in a safety-critical industry