Platform Engineer in Oakdale

We are looking for an experienced Platform Engineer to support the diagnosis, maintenance, integration and testing of secure communications systems across Land and Maritime Defence platforms. Working on the BOWMAN ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform (BCIP) system, you will be responsible for fault diagnosis, rebuilds, upgrades and full functional testing to ensure platforms meet defined operational and safety requirements. This is a hands‑on engineering role, working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary engineering teams, often at customer sites. You’ll support both routine maintenance activities and ad‑hoc operational requirements, contributing directly to the availability and performance of critical Defence communications systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide platform engineering support to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Diagnose, analyse and rectify system and network faults (RF/IP‑based systems).
• Carry out installation, de‑installation, rebuild and replacement activities on Land and Maritime platforms.
• Perform full functional testing and certification of BCIP systems.
• Support ID&C (Integration, Design and Certification) activities in line with JSP604.
• Produce clear, accurate fault analysis, test reports and engineering documentation.
• Conduct system and product‑level testing, working closely with Systems & Integration Test teams.
• Ensure all work is completed to approved Defence standards, processes and schedules.
• Maintain secure handling of equipment, including cryptographic material.
• Support quality inspections and ensure a closed‑loop documentation process.
• Clearly communicate system limitations, safety considerations and findings to customers and users.
• Work effectively with customer personnel at all levels.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience with BCIP or comparable Defence communications platforms in Land and/or Maritime environments.
• Strong hands‑on experience diagnosing RF and IP‑based network faults.
• Knowledge of military installation practices and Defence engineering environments.
• Understanding of earth bonding and grounding testing against Defence standards.
• Ability to produce technical reports and test documentation.
• Confident using standard test equipment and PC‑based diagnostic tools.
• Comfortable working independently, often at customer sites.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Flexible, adaptable approach with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Good understanding of Health & Safety practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional, customer‑focused approach.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of JSP604 and TacCIS installation processes.
• Awareness of Defence Standards and regulated engineering environments.
• Technical understanding of electrical, mechanical and computing hardware.
• Experience leading small engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in integrated teams with customers, users and industry partners.
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred.

Additional Information:

Salary for this position is £36,000 to £45,000, depending on experience, plus an excellent flexible benefits package. The role will involve spending a significant amount of time working at customer or supplier sites. When you are not at these locations, we offer a hybrid working arrangement, with an expectation of averaging around two days per week on site over the course of a month.

Benefits include:

• A compressed nine‑day fortnight and compressed hours – which means every other Friday off.
• A personalised career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews, supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded with flexible benefits.

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace – inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team! We are a Disability Confident Employer; as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email disabilityconfident@gd‑ms.uk if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. All successful or appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.