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- Tasks: Lead the development and integration of complex electronic hardware for next-gen fighter aircraft.
- Company: Dstl is a key player in UK defence, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension contributions, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in CEH, strong communication skills, and hands-on programming experience required.
- Other info: Only UK Nationals can apply due to security clearance requirements.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Dstl, our vision is to have a modern way of working efficiently, accommodating and enabling our people to create, collaborate and deliver. To do this successfully in this job will require attendance at a Dstl location; Government Departments including wider MoD or Delivery and Mission Partner’s premises for a minimum of 60% of your working time. Where business needs allow, and with the agreement of your line manager, there may be the option for a combination of workplace and home-based working.This is a non-contractual arrangement.
About the job Job summary
Dstl is seeking a dynamic and technically skilledComplex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Leadto join the UK MOD\’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and support theGlobal Combat Air Programme (GCAP)— a trilateral partnership with Japan and Italy to design and deliver the next-generation crewed fighter aircraft.
The FCAS will deliver a 6th Generation capability that surpasses today’s most advanced systems, placing software, autonomy, and complex electronic hardware at its core. As CEH Lead, you\’ll be at the forefront of helping define how CEH is integrated, assured, and sustained across the UK’s most critical future defence programme.
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.
Job description
In FCAS, programmable elements (PE)—particularly software and CEH—are fundamental to mission success and national defence advantage. This role is a rare opportunity toinfluence an international defence programme, guiding how CEH is developed, assured, and integrated into a highly autonomous and adaptable fast jet platform
In this role you will:
- Lead the CEH Capability
- Influence National & International Stakeholders
- Build Sustainable Technical Structures
- Lead Research & Knowledge Development
- Foster a High-Performing Team Environment
Person specification
We are looking for someone who has the following skills & experience:
Skills
- Proven leadership inCEH or safety-/mission-critical embedded systems
- Excellentcommunication and stakeholder engagementskills
- Strong understanding of thesoftware development lifecycleand its relationship to hardware
- Experience applyingstatistical rigour, data science methods, and mathematical modelling
- Hands-on programming experience in languages such asC/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, Go
- Ability tomentor and coachtechnical colleagues and drive knowledge transfer
- Strongsystems thinkingand ability to manage complexity in uncertain environments
- Familiarity withcyber resilience and software/hardware assuranceconcepts.
Experience
- Proven track record oftechnical leadershipof small to medium-sized teams
- Experience withstakeholder managementacross complex technical environments
- Hands-on experience withsoftware measurement approaches and delivery metrics
- Applied experience intechnical mentoring, knowledge management, and capability building
- Strong background in producing technical documentation and briefing senior audiences
- Experience in setting or shaping CEH delivery plans across system development projects
Please see the full job profile in the candidate pack at the bottom of this page for more information.
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.
Behaviours
We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £57,297, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £16,598 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Benefits
Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:
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Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
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Flexible working:Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
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Working hours:Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
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Where you work:Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
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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.
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Family:Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
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Learning and Development:Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
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Facilities:Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
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Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems employer: Dstl
Contact Detail:
Dstl Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) programme and its objectives. Understanding the strategic importance of CEH in this context will help you articulate your vision and how you can contribute to the programme during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence sector, particularly those involved in CEH or related fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex technical environments, as this role requires strong leadership skills to guide the CEH capability effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of software development lifecycles and their relationship to hardware. Being able to demonstrate a solid understanding of this relationship will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role during discussions with stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Complex Electronic Hardware (CEH) Lead, Future Combat Air Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in complex electronic hardware and safety-critical systems. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in stakeholder management and technical mentoring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Future Combat Air Systems project. Discuss how your background aligns with the role's requirements, particularly your understanding of the software development lifecycle and your hands-on programming experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your proven track record in technical leadership and your ability to manage complexity in uncertain environments. Mention any experience you have with cyber resilience and software/hardware assurance concepts.
Demonstrate Behaviours: In your application, provide evidence of the key behaviours they are looking for, such as leadership and communication skills. Use specific situations where you successfully influenced stakeholders or improved processes to showcase these traits.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dstl
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Complex Electronic Hardware Lead, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in mission-critical environments. Highlight your ability to influence and engage stakeholders effectively.
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in complex electronic hardware and software integration. Be ready to discuss how these technologies apply to the Future Combat Air Systems and the Global Combat Air Programme. This will show your genuine interest and technical acumen.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Dstl values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive working environment. Share experiences where you've fostered collaboration among diverse teams or supported colleagues from different backgrounds.
