At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of software delivery pipelines for cutting-edge combat air systems.
- Company: Join Dstl, a leader in defence technology shaping the future of air combat.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension contributions, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact on national security.
- Qualifications: Proficient in programming languages with strong technical and communication skills required.
- Other info: UK nationals only; must meet security clearance requirements.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 52000 £ per year.
Be at the Heart of Next-Generation Defence Technology. Join the team shaping the future of air combat systems. Dstl is looking for a highly capable and driven Software Delivery Pipelines Lead to play a central role in the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and contribute directly to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). You will lead the development, learning, and implementation of software delivery pipelines for a cutting-edge combat air system that will define the UK's air superiority for decades to come.
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.
As a Software Delivery Pipelines Lead, you will be the technical partner for Dstl-funded and R-Cloud-sourced work focused on MOD-hosted software pipelines. Your role will ensure that meaningful, applicable insights are generated and fed directly into GCAP, supporting the delivery of secure, scalable, and operationally effective software into complex airborne and ground-based systems.
Person specification
We are looking for someone who has the following skills & experience:
- Technical Skills
- Broad and deep understanding of software delivery across the full lifecycle
- Proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, Go)
- Strong mathematical background, particularly in statistics, data science, and probability
- Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate, communicate, and ensure the robustness of technical approaches
- Skilled in communicating complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
- Interest in and ability to apply knowledge in cyber safety, security, and resilience
- Experience
- Significant hands-on experience in the Computing and Engineering for Health (CEH) domain or related technical field
- Track record of managing multiple stakeholders and navigating conflicting priorities
- Experience in technical mentoring or coaching of junior team members
- Demonstrated ability to deliver robust, technically sound software under changing requirements
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.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
Alongside your salary of £46,900, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £13,586 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Benefits
Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
- Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution.
- Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours.
- Working hours: Flexibility around your working day.
- Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
- Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay.
- Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7.
- Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. 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.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only. This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Software Delivery Pipelines Lead – Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) employer: Dstl
Contact Detail:
Dstl Recruiting Team
dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Delivery Pipelines Lead – Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Understanding the specific technologies and challenges in these areas will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with industry experts, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical interview by practising how to explain complex software delivery concepts clearly. You might be asked to present your approach to forming a pipeline, so being able to communicate effectively is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your experience in managing stakeholders and navigating conflicting priorities. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully balanced multiple demands, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Delivery Pipelines Lead – Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software delivery and programming languages mentioned in the job description, such as Python, C/C++, Java, and MATLAB. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for defence technology and how your background aligns with the role of Software Delivery Pipelines Lead. Mention your experience in managing stakeholders and delivering robust software under changing requirements.
Prepare for the Presentation: As part of the interview process, you'll need to present on forming a pipeline for high integrity software. Prepare a clear and concise presentation that outlines your approach, including any relevant methodologies or tools you would use.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: The job requires strong communication and mentoring abilities. In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, and how you've supported the development of junior team members.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what the Software Delivery Pipelines Lead role entails. Familiarise yourself with the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the position, be ready to discuss your experience with software delivery across the full lifecycle. Brush up on programming languages mentioned in the job description, such as Python, C/C++, and Java, and be prepared to provide examples of your work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
The ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully conveyed technical information in the past, and consider how you would explain your approach to forming a pipeline for high integrity software.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Experience
Highlight any experience you have in managing stakeholders or mentoring junior team members. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you navigated conflicting priorities or helped others develop their skills, as this aligns with the behaviours they are looking for.