Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineer

Location: MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol

Salary: £37,400 – £44,000

Are you interested in working at the cutting-edge of technology, working towards making our waters safer?

DE&S have exciting opportunities for Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineers to join their Bristol-based team, in high-profile posts within the Innovation and Future Capability team, at the centre of the Ships Acquisition domain. These posts are concerned with replacing the Royal Navy’s existing mine-hunters with a new, unmanned mine-hunting and disposal system, to safely clear sea mines. The system’s innovative and modernised technology has the ability to defeat sea mines. This novel mine-hunting system, which features a navigational ‘sense and avoid’ capability, could also work together with other similar autonomous systems for the common goal of making our waters safer.

The project aims to demonstrate the viability of an unmanned system that can safely and successfully clear mines, and is designed to be operated from a land or ship-based operations centre and deployed from a suitable ship or port. This unmanned autonomous mine-hunting system is at the forefront of technology; for further information relating to this innovation, click here: https://bit.ly/3qZIm09.

If you have autonomous technology and/or robotics systems experience (or experience within an aligned discipline), this could be the role for you. This is an area of ongoing development and investment, with additional opportunities planned for the near future, for which you may also be considered.

Responsibilities for DE&S Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineer

In these positions, you will interface with industry as the intelligent customer, both in a scrutiny and engineering assurance role, and support the identification of technical and safety risks in the procurement of this new unmanned autonomous mine-hunting system. You will ensure that this acquisition meets requirements, as set out by the Royal Navy, and manage the delivery of all engineering aspects in your area of responsibility, including design development, managing safety and certification management of technical issues, and production of engineering documentation.

Working with industry and MOD stakeholders, you will provide expert advice and guidance in your technical area. You will solve complex technical problems and support the procurement of these novel systems: developing the capability, progressing to testing and trials stages, and transitioning to service with the Royal Navy.

What you will be assessed against

To be found successful you must demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Experience delivering complex technical outcomes within regulated industry (e.g. nuclear, defence, oil & gas)
• Autonomous technology/robotics systems experience (or experience within an aligned discipline)
• A minimum of a L4 (e.g. HNC) qualification in a relevant engineering discipline OR extensive relevant experience
• Member of a relevant Professional Engineering/Science Institute or equivalent body (e.g. IEng or CEng), or ability to achieve within 12 months

It would benefit your application should you be able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Experience of autonomous systems from within a defence and/or maritime environment

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following technical competencies:

• Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance
• Technical Decision Making

If you are invited to an interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and improving

What’s in it for you?

You will receive a generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution), annual bonuses, a flexible working pattern to fit you where possible, 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days with opportunity for movement and promotion. Some of our sites include an onsite gym, onsite restaurants, cafes and much more.

Find out more about what we offer by clicking here or by reading more about our Employee Benefits.

Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

This post is not eligible for relocation allowances.

About your team

Cutting-edge engineering and science is a critical component in delivering modern, battle-winning technologies to all branches of the armed forces. Engineering is the largest business area within DE&S – and it’s one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within DE&S and our industry partners and professional bodies.