Military Aviation Authority – Certification (Cyber Software) Aviation Programmable Elements Lead

Job content

Job Summary

In the context of this role Programmable Elements is defined as systems containing safety related software, airborne electronic hardware, multicore processors and cyber security for airworthiness.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a Programmable Elements subject area lead within the Certification Division (Cert Div). We’re responsible for developing the regulation for, and undertaking certification of, all new military Air Systems and major changes to type designs as defined by regulation. Our extensive portfolio covers fast jets, helicopters and large aircraft through to uncrewed/remotely piloted air systems (UAS/RPAS) and Air Traffic Equipment. You’ll have the opportunity to lead Certification projects which often make use of innovative technology, and we’re responsible for making sure they’re developing air systems to recognised standards.

We’ll provide you with the necessary training so that you can effectively undertake your responsibilities. We’ll also give you the appropriate authority and latitude to deliver your objectives, remaining accountable to the Head of Branch for delivery.

We also offer excellent personal and professional development opportunities and have a vibrant social and entertainments programme throughout the year!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

You’ll lead on the scheduling, reviewing and subsequent reporting of aviation programmable elements submissions and activities.

You’ll evaluate compliance with the associated Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulations and Aircraft Design Standards, focusing on the application of design processes and ensuring they lead to the development of an Air System that is safe to operate. You’ll be responsible for producing reports, issuing findings, maintaining records, engaging with stakeholders, and briefing senior management to ensure the best outcomes for Defence. If necessary, you will manage any enforcement action for those issues that pose significant risks.

You’ll inevitably develop and sustain an expert level knowledge of the Defence Air Environment, relevant policies and regulations and be able to share this knowledge or give guidance to colleagues within the MAA and across the Department. You’ll also be able to directly see the application of modern technology within innovative development projects and help craft the future regulations to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.

How does the MAA fit into Defence?

Part of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA), the MAA is the organization responsible for the regulation, surveillance, inspection, and assurance of Defence Aviation. We ensure the safe design and use of military Air Systems. As the single Authority responsible for regulating all aspects of Air Safety across Defence, the MAA has full oversight of all Defence aviation activity. Through independent audit and continuous surveillance, the MAA strives to provide the Director General DSA (DG DSA), the critical assurance that appropriate safety standards are being maintained, whilst delivering operational capability.

Person specification

You Will Be Responsible For:

• Providing certification assurance of aviation programmable elements in UK military registered Air Systems.
• Providing advice to airworthiness process owners on aviation programmable elements issues relating to integrity management.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the MAA to ensure coherent, effective, and appropriate delivery of assurance and related services.
• Engaging in the development and review of MAA regulation and policy, influencing changes to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and reflect advances in technology and design practices.
• Supporting the overall outputs of the team, including those of the wider MAA, to improve the delivery of our services across Defence.
• Line management of 1x C2/HEO and 1 x OF2/Flt Lt team member.
  
  

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
  
  

Technical skills

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

• Airworthiness ACS1.1 Defence Aviation Context (Practitioner)
• Engineering Aerospace AEFC2.3 (Practitioner)
  
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The MOD Discover My Benefits Page Lists The Full Set Of Benefits. Some Of The Many Benefits You Will Receive Include:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days leave per year!
• 8 public holidays per year plus an extra day of leave for HM The King’s birthday
• Flexi-time scheme (after 6 months)
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity (see our commitment below)
  
  

Hybrid working is supported on an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance of expected attendance in the workplace (at MOD Abbey Wood North) and working from home to meet business needs and with management approval.

The DSA is strongly dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunity irrespective of your race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, civil status, sex, or gender identity. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, and we are actively working to establish a diverse workforce across the entire organization. We are delighted to announce that we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and that we recruit purely based upon the merit of each and every individual applicant. We pride ourselves on our commitment to ensure recruitment of the very best individuals and acquire a diverse and inclusive viewpoint to our decision making. We can assure you that we search for all types of talent and are striving to make sure that all social groups are successfully represented. We work diligently to eradicate any bias and safeguard every protected status and characteristic as lawfully required under the 2010 Equality Act. Our dedication to promoting diversity is clearly reflected across our organization and within our vision to foster an inclusive workforce. Defence harnesses the power of difference to deliver capability that safeguards our nation’s security and stability.

We’ll also ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request further information.

Please note that any expenses incurred for travel to the interview will not be reimbursed.

External recruits who join the MOD and are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

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 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.

The selection process for this role will use Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Next steps: You’ll need to submit a CV that details your career history, qualifications, key achievements and skills, and a personal statement (no longer than 500 words).

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability.

Your application will be sifted by a panel who’ll review your CV, experience and personal statement to identify if you match the role requirements. If you’re successful at sift, we will invite you to an interview on a date to be agreed. The interview will be either virtual or on-site at MoD Abbey Wood North, Bristol..

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

Other Information

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 into 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.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and 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.

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 security check (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.

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 : Jim Morris
• Email : Jim.Morris426@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. Please refer to the attached Candidate Information guide.