Defence Digital – Senior Radio Frequency Engineer

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer with Radio Frequency (RF) or Electrical Engineering experience to work on defence projects.
The Senior RF Engineer will be part of the Defence Electromagnetic Authority (DEMA) Team, who deliver crucial Defence enterprise-wide services to enable military capability to use the electromagnetic spectrum globally. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring that Defence systems and platforms are protected against the effects of high-power Electromagnetic Pulses.
You will work in a small team, specialising in Electromagnetic Pulse Protection trials on Defence Assets, in accordance with test standards, which are similar in nature to typical Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test procedures. In practice, this means protecting sensitive equipment using Faraday Cages and RF Filtering.
A bespoke training package is in place to enable the successful applicant to gain the unique knowledge and skills associated with this role., Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to work across various Electromagnetic disciplines but will specialise in the Electromagnetic Pulse Protection (EMPP) team, responsible for the protection of critical Defence assets against weaponised EM threats.
Using a range of electronic test equipment, you will conduct EMPP trials on various Defence assets, analysing the data collected to produce reports for customers, advising them of their level of compliance against legislation and suggesting any remedial actions where appropriate.
This role would suit an enthusiastic engineer who would relish the opportunity to work on unique and exciting engineering systems. You will be supported by a Team Leader, who will guide and support you in your structured training and development within the team., + Testing highly specialised military platforms and facilities using a range of electronic test equipment.
+ Plan, organise and lead technical electromagnetic assessments and trials at various locations across the UK and occasionally abroad.
+ Witnessing third party EMP trials, in the UK and abroad.
+ Perform visual audits of EMP protection measures.
+ Support and review technical EMP modelling exercises.
+ Provide technical advice and guidance to Ministry of Defence and Government customers.
+ Contribute to the development of EMPP Defence Standards.
+ Interaction with industry, international experts and policy teams to keep abreast of technical and policy changes in this area.
+ The opportunity for line management of staff., Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
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., This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
To apply please complete the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard. You will be assessed against your relevant, skills, knowledge and experience which demonstrates the essential criteria listed within this advert.
All applicants will also need to provide a personal statement (max. 1250 words) and it is essential that this includes evidence of the following essential criteria. Each one will be scored 1-7 and make up part of your overall score to assess your suitability to be invited to interview:
1. Describe your experience of working with electronic test equipment (Spectrum Analysers etc.) and your adherence to Health & Safety legislation.
2. Tell us about your experience of working with mains power, including 3-phase systems and the safety aspects associated with these.
3. Provide an example of when you have been involved in, or assisted with, planning, organising and/or leading a team through a project.
Interviews
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
We’ll assess you against these behaviours & technical skills during the interview process:
Behaviours
+ Leadership
+ Working Together
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Communicating & Influencing
Technical Skills
+ EM3 –Technical Authority – Practitioner
+ EM4 – Technical Support – Practitioner
Please see the Electromagnetic Environment (EME) Functional Competence framework attached.
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 developed vetting (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.

+ Minimum of BTEC Level 3 in an Engineering/Science based subject or demonstrable experience.
+ Current full UK driving licence.
Desirable:
+ Professional registration as EngTech under a relevant Engineering Institution (i.e., IET).
+ NQF Level 4 qualification in an Engineering/Science based subject.
Skills required:
+ Able to build and maintain good working relationships with a wide range of personnel and act with integrity and discretion.
+ Able to quickly assess information and make credible recommendations at pace.
+ Security aware, with accurate attention to detail.
+ Experience of using Office 365 applications.
+ Excellent verbal and written skills (including technical report writing, verbal briefings and presenting)
+ Able to make effective decisions and know when to seek advice or escalate issues.
+ Motivated to learn and committed to your continuous development.
A current valid driving licence (Category B) is essential and a willingness to undergo category C1 training is desirable., Minimum of BTEC Level 3 in an Engineering/Science based subject or demonstrable equivalent experience., + Making Effective Decisions
+ Leadership
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Working Together

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

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.
We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.
Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy., Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.
Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.

A market skills allowance of up to £9k per annum may be applicable to this role, paid in increments upon reaching agreed criteria.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP, A market skills allowance of up to £9k per annum may be applicable to this role, paid in increments upon reaching agreed criteria., As a Civil Servant, you’ll also have access to our range of excellent benefits, including flexible working, discount schemes, generous leave allowance and a market-leading Civil Service pension.
Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week., This post will require lab work and coaching, requiring site presence to meet demands. Hybrid working is limited (but still possible) owing to the need to access labs and secure systems.
This post will include travel away from home. During testing phases the successful applicant will need to travel to other sites to conduct testing – this could be up to 2 weeks at a time spent working away but not more than an average of 2 weeks per month.
Working at MOD Blandford Forum:
+ Set in one of the UK’s top Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering a variety of local walks, cycle rides and friendly pubs, all with easy access (30min drive) to Bournemouth and Salisbury.
+ A modern well-equipped workplace with on-site restaurant, coffee shops and sports facilities; including free gym, squash courts, tennis courts, running track, athletics facilities, amongst many others.
+ On camp cinema offering the best current films at very reasonable prices.
+ On camp go-karting track and clay target shooting range – extra costs to use.
+ A friendly team culture which enjoys regular social events and team building activities.
If not already held, successful candidates will be required to attain DV clearance prior to taking up employment. Due to security requirements this position is open to sole UK nationals only.

Licences
Full UK driving licence., Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,223 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Our benefits include:
+ Learning and development tailored to your role with a dedicated minimum of 5 days per year
+ 25 days paid annual leave rising (by 1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of five years’ service
+ Ability to roll up to 10 days annual leave per year
+ In addition to eight public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
+ A Civil Service pension
+ Parental and Adoption Leave
+ Discounts on a range of services within and external to the civil service – Defence Discount Service, Civil Service societies for Sports and Leisure, Healthcare, Insurance, Motoring, Company discounts with Virgin, Vodafone, and Microsoft Office.
+ In year rewards and ‘thank you’ schemes such as vouchers and gift cards
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ Find out more here - Discovermybenefits
Equality and Diversity