Reference number

1624420

Salary

Circa £21,500 - £53,400 Depending on experience

Grade

Higher Executive Officer
Senior Executive Officer
Grade 7

Dstl Level's 4-6

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Other - Cyber & Information Systems Division

Type of role

Architecture and Data
Digital
Engineering
Information Technology
Science
Other

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Hours

37

Number of posts

60

Location

Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury, Dstl Portsdown West, Fareham & RAF Wyton, Huntingdon 
For candidates interested in working at RAF Wyton, please note that this location is only offering job opportunities in Data Science and AI.

About the job

Job description

Who are we? 

Dstl is the science and technology arm of the Ministry of Defence. As part of UK Government we do sensitive and specialist work that cannot be done anywhere else. 

Dstl’s Cyber and Information Systems Division comprises some 450 scientists and engineers working on state-of-the-art military challenges such as: 

• Conducting research that will help ensure that radar and electro-optic sensors are safe from attack and able to function correctly. 
• Conceiving of, prototyping and developing novel positioning tools and techniques that will enable our military forces to operate safely and with precision. 
• Influencing the development of new concepts for space missions, orbit determination, and UK satellite demonstrator missions. 
• Developing the next generation of tools, technology and techniques to allow UK defence and security to operate in the future electromagnetic battlespace. 
• Assessing and devising mitigations for vulnerabilities in electronic hardware, electromagnetic sensors, and communications technologies. 
• Advancing the tools, techniques and tradecrafts required to ensure that the UK is able to establish a world class cyber capability, including the ability to counter-attack in cyberspace. 
• Applying Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to maximise Defence’s use of data and to build new capabilities. 

“As a dedicated and specialist organisation Dstl provides innovative technologies and optimises in-service equipment to have direct impact on current military operations.” - Major Ben, embedded military officer at Dstl 

What could you do? 
The Armed Forces must maintain an operational advantage to keep our citizens safe and maintain our prosperity. To support this Dstl conducts targeted research and provides specialist advice. If you join us you could be involved in: 

• Advancing offensive cyber and electronic warfare techniques. 
• Ensuring that timely, dependable and meaningful information is received by the war fighter. 
• Safeguarding systems, ensuring that they are secure and protected. 
• Applying the latest thinking in data science and artificial intelligence for defence and security purposes. 
• Supporting the development of space demonstrator missions and technologies. 
• Investigating novel sensing techniques and systems (including Quantum). 
• Prototyping and trialing novel means for dismounted to navigate in GPS denied environments. 
• Researching software vulnerabilities and developing tools to understand exploits found. 

To give you a flavour of the work you could be doing, see the attachment at the bottom of the page to read some first-hand experiences from our scientists and engineers and also take a look at KnowTheUnknown  

Who do we want to recruit? 

We want people with a flair for problem solving and a passion for new technologies who are looking for a career with a difference. 
We want people with design and development experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Radar and Radar Electronic Surveillance 
• Radio frequency or communications systems 
• Navigation system development 
• Design of electronic systems 
• Digital signal processing 
• Space systems design 
• Computer science, software engineering or network engineering 
• Information technology or technical architecture 
• Systems engineering 
• Verification and validation 
• Data forensics 
• Data fusion 
• Penetration Testing 
• Quantum Science 

You should have knowledge in at least one of these areas, but the most important traits are an ability to solve complex problems and a willingness to learn. 

Why work for Dstl? 

Our unique position in government means that you will: 

• Work on a variety of interesting and challenging problems that owing to their sensitivity cannot be done elsewhere. 
• Make a difference and have pride in what you do; our work improves the front-line capability of the UK Armed Forces and keeps British citizens safe. 
• Do the right things for the right reasons; we’re impartial and not in it for profit. 
• Form links across Government, industry and academia. We work with an array of partners both at home and abroad including the Armed Forces, other Government departments and industry. 
• Develop your career in exciting new areas that are growing to meet cutting-edge challenges. 

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. 

What benefits can you can expect? 

Our available roles cover Dstl’s career levels 4 - 6 (earning between £21,500 to £53,400 depending on experience). 

In addition we offer you: 

• Real responsibility from the beginning. 
• Development through training, chartership support, PhD or MSc opportunities, coaching and mentoring. 
• A new starters network and programme. 
• Highly flexible working hours with no core hours, and the option for part-time or shared working arrangements. 
• 25 days annual leave growing to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus 8 bank holidays, and the opportunity to buy up to 10 days more leave. 
• Generous pension allowances. 
• On-site gym, sports and social clubs, and other benefits like discounts through a range of schemes 

Application process 

Step 1: Application 
Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining how your skills could benefit our work. Please highlight any preferences for particular technical areas and location. 

Step 2: Phone interviews 
If needed we may arrange to have an informal exploratory conversation with you to find out more about your skills and experience. 

Step 3: Technical and behavioral based interview (in-person). 
If invited to interview you will be assessed on your technical ability and a variety of behaviors specific to the role and level you’ve applied to. More details will be provided before interview. 

Security 
Our posts require either Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). Proof of continuous residency in the UK for the last 5-10 years will be required. 

Eligibility 
Only open to full UK Nationals. 
Dual nationality is not an automatic bar for roles within Quantum Science but will be assessed on a case by case basis. This area will consider UK Nationals with dual nationality with Commonwealth, European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. 

Additionally the majority of posts within Dstl have restrictions which could affect the future career path of those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Sift/interview dates and location

Sifting will take place on a weekly basis throughout the advertising period. 
Face to face interviews will then take place on a weekly basis.

Further information

Please note that Dstl will be contacting individuals via email and you should check your junk mail folder regularly. Any attachments may not be available via smart phone or tablet views. 

If you are applying for this position as a Job Share please indicate if you have a partner who is also applying for this vacancy and if you are successful but they are not if you would still consider the role.