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The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) has fascinating career opportunities for eager and motivated Junior Naval Architects to join our targeted Naval Architecture Development Scheme at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. In joining us, you will integrate with highly skilled professionals to support some of largest and most complex engineering programmes in the world. You will work at the forefront of marine technology, naval architecture and submarine design to oversee engineering challenges unique to this industry, whilst contributing to project success and providing support to the Royal Navy.
The role
Our Naval Architecture Development Scheme is a 2-year programme designed to expand your knowledge and skills in the full scope of submarine naval architecture. During the programme, you will gain knowledge and experience of early-stage concept design through to support of our laid-up submarines by you undertaking six 4-month placements with the following projects teams:
- Forward Design Group (Pre-Concept & Feasibility Studies)
- SSN AUKUS (Design of the UK’s next SSN)
- Dreadnought (delivery of the Vanguard Class replacement)
- Submarine Production (delivery of the remaining Astute Class submarines)
- In-Service Support (Support to T, V and A Class submarines, all laid up submarines and the NATO Submarine Rescue System)
- Naval Authority Technology Group (R&D, Safety Assurance and Naval Authority Certification of UK Submarines)
Our programme is run by SDA Naval Architects for future SDA Naval Architects. You will have the opportunity to shadow industry-leading specialists, take advantage of upskilling investment, visit the shipyards, dockyards, suppliers and platforms, undertake work on submarine structures, watertight integrity, shock and signatures, there is a wide scope for international engagement and collaboration and there may be opportunity to get involved in sea trials and stability trials. Upon completion of the programme, you will be a certified SDA Naval Architect and will join one of the teams described above.
You will have the opportunity to benefit from our training onsite at least twice a week, where you will have exposure to our more senior Engineers to upskill and develop you, whilst also having the chance to visit our other UK sites.
Please be advised that due to the nature of security, these roles are reserved for UK Nationals only.
Responsibilities
You will be inducted into a team of multi-disciplinary engineers as well as project managers, commercial and cost engineers. You will work in a hybrid working, fair and ethical environment that promotes your personal development, career progression and enriches your future. You will attend the SDA’s in-house ‘Submarine Naval Architecture School’ and will have the opportunity to work on:
- Hull form & appendage research
- Design and assessment
- Manoeuvring and control performance assessment (surfaced and submerged)
- Stability assessment, including the conduct of Trim & Incline and Check Trim trials
- Propulsor research
- Design and development, pressure hull & secondary structure design and assessment
- This is applicable to SSN, SSBN, Novel and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Specific targeted technical training is available; this includes but is not limited to:
- Submarine Design Course
- Submarine Hydrodynamics Course
- Dry Docking Course
- Shock Course
Potential opportunities include support to complete your Masters. In addition, there is a broad range of training opportunities available and will be encouraged to ensure a broader understanding of Naval Architecture and wider SDA, e.g.:
- Project management
- Financial skills
- Risk management
- Safety management
Person specification
- Holds, or on track to complete this academic year, a Level 6 qualification (e.g., BEng or higher) in Naval Architecture or a closely related subject, or holds the equivalent experience
- Basic competency in the use of Naval Architectural analytical tools for modelling, such as but not limited to; Paramarine, Rhinoceros 3D, Hydrostatic, Hydrodynamic, CFD software
In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:
- Application of Analytical Techniques (Supervised Practitioner)
- Technical Decision Making (Awareness)
- Communicating and influencing
- Working Together
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
- Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
- Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
- Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
- Support for progression
- Huge range of discounts
- Volunteering days
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
We believe in creating an inclusive environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the ways in which it enriches our culture and our work. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of. And if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.
