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Missile Defence Radar Scientist

Job Details

The Strategic Systems group is growing to develop scientists, engineers and mathematicians with technical knowledge of the next generation of defensive missile systems for the long term safety and defence of the UK.

With a constantly evolving world and long term shifts in the balance of military power it is vital our Armed Forces continue to remain world-leading and have access to the most capable equipment. The recent Spending Review resulted in a very significant additional investment in Science and Technology which has led to exciting opportunities within Dstl.

The Platform Systems Division supports the MoD and industry in researching, trialing and developing new technology that provides protection and operational advantage for those in Defence. Through research, trials and development, we mature technologies, develop evidence and maintain Science & Technology capability to deliver future sophisticated and novel capabilities.

We are looking for individuals with strong technical and analytical skills and leadership ability to help us develop innovative solutions. Working closely with our military customers and industry partners there are many opportunities for travel, trials and for staff secondments to industry and other MoD organisations.

For the Missile Defence Radar Scientist role, we need people who have knowledge of radar principles and experience with RF systems. You'll have a desire to apply and extend your scientific knowledge to radar systems and a collaborative approach to research and problem-solving. You should have a natural desire to understand how things work, why they perform as they do and how multiple things work together, as well as the ability to think and work innovatively to overcome current and future problems facing defence.

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.

Job description:

Our Missile Defence Radar Scientists will undertake the following types of tasks:

  • Lead/support the development of radars and associated technology, including novel approaches to the design, assessment and testing;
  • Provide radar advice through system modelling and performance analysis e.g. working with Matlab/Simulink;
  • Provide impartial, evidence based advice and technical assurance to project teams and customers to enable them to make informed decisions;
  • Work closely with industry, providing direction through working as a technical partner.

Responsibilities:

Our Missile Defence Radar Scientists should have:

  • Good interpersonal (verbal, presentational and written) communications skills and be able to tailor briefings appropriate to the audience;
  • Demonstrable experience of provision of technical documentation and briefings;
  • Experience of developing a capability within a niche technical field (desirable);
  • Experience of working with RF systems (e.g. radar, ECM, communications);
  • Experience of using software models and simulation tools.

Experience:

  • Experience of working with RF systems (e.g. radar, ECM, communications);
  • Experience of using software models and simulation tools.

Important Information:

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Working conditions:

Primarily office-based at Portsdown West, Fareham. There will be off-site meetings with customers and stakeholders and potentially collaborative working off-site with industry, other government organisations and international partners. Some occasional travel (UK and international) to stakeholder meetings should be expected; periods of off-site working (UK) may be offered. Any offsite working will be managed with the Team Leader in consideration of personal commitments.

Behaviours:

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

  • Changing and Improving;
  • Communicating and Influencing;
  • Working Together;
  • Delivering at Pace.

Technical skills:

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

  • Experience of working with RF systems (e.g. radar, ECM, communications).

Benefits:

To see all our benefits please go to our Recruitment page and check out our LinkedIn page  for more information about working with Dstl.

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 security check.

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.

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.

Dstl is participating the Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme. If you are a Veteran and meet the essential criteria for this position you will be offered guaranteed progression to the next stage of the assessment. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.

We actively encourage and welcome applications from those who work alternative working patterns (part-time, job share, term-time only etc.), Please be prepared to discuss this if you are selected for interview. You can also discuss your working pattern with the recruiting line manager or talent acquisition adviser at the application stage if preferred.

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.

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.

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 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:

Recruitment team:

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.

Company

DSTL image

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is the science and technology arm of the Ministry of Defence. As part of the UK Government we do sensitive and specialist work that cannot be done anywhere else. We’re dedicated to keeping the UK safe and secure by using world-leading science and technology. Our work has one aim – protecting lives. Our experts make innovative scientific advancements, sometimes with international impact.

Why work for us
At Dstl, we bring together the best people with the best ideas and apply science and technology in unexpected ways. Our position in defence brings strong links to the armed forces, giving us access and insight to our military personnel and their operational challenges. The solutions we deliver cover everything from long-term research and analysis, through to rapid development in support of current operations with the potential to save lives. Working with other government departments, universities and businesses, we develop battle-winning technologies that support UK military operations – now and into the future.

At Dstl, you’ll find a workforce of respected scientists and professionals who specialize in many different disciplines. We value and champion collaboration, impact and innovation, and we work with some of the most talented professionals and academics in the world. To achieve our goals, we promote and support the use of flexible working patterns to enable staff to enjoy a healthy work/life balance.

We’re always looking for the best technical and scientific minds who are looking for a career with a difference. You’ll need a relevant qualification, a flair for solving problems and a passion for new technologies. Above all, you must want to make a difference now and in the future.

Training and development
We offer an extensive range of technical and professional training that’s relevant for your career and your future ambitions, delivered both in-house and externally. We’ll support you with Chartership and accreditation, and fund up to two professional memberships for you each year.

What we are looking for
Launch your career at Dstl as a:

  • Graduate: if you join Dstl as a graduate you will put theory into practise, applying what you’ve learnt to the real-world problems that we’re solving right now. You will be contributing to important projects and supported by mentors and leading scientists.
  • Student: we have 12- or three-month internships available to experience what a career in science means.
  • Apprentice: we offer apprenticeships, up to degree level, giving you the chance to earn while you learn.

We have a variety of roles advertised on our website all year round as well as graduate and apprenticeship opportunities.


Locations
UK; Porton Down (Salisbury, Wiltshire), Portsdown West (Fareham, Hampshire)

Number of employees
4800

Positions recently recruited for
Graduate engineer, graduate scientist, graduate statistician, graduate operational researcher and analyst, graduate project manager, analysts, scientist, engineer, cyber, software

Desired degree disciplines/class
A STEM degree

Pre-requisites
UK national and eligibility to work in the UK (for security clearance purposes)

How to apply
Apply online at www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk and search for Dstl

Closing date
All year round. Graduate and apprenticeships recruitment every autumn/winter

Contact
Tel +44 (0)1980 950000
E-mail dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/defence-science-and-technology-laboratory

Company info
Website
Telephone
+44 (0)1980 618484
Location
Room G01 Building
5 Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JQ
United Kingdom

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