Dstl Portsdown West.

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.

Job Summary

Have you got experience working on radar systems?

Are you an engineer with experience of radio frequency or radar and software?

Are you looking to make a real difference in the UK defence area?

If so, Dstl is recruiting for someone like you!

Join Our Strategic Systems Group (SSG) Which Provides Advice On All Aspects Of Ballistic Missile Defence From Technology Through To Emerging Policy. The Group Provides Their Advice Based On Experiences, Knowledge And Abilities Expressed Through

• Modelling and simulation techniques.
• Expertise in large scale battle modelling.
• Knowledge of Radar systems.
  
  

Your new role will help anticipate the next generation of strike & defensive missile systems in order to ensure the long term safety and defence of the UK.

You Will Bring

• In-depth knowledge of radar or RF principles
• Knowledge of electromagnetic signial principles
• Experience analysing remote datasets
• Effective communication skills
  
  

We will give you the opportunity to support a unique UK defence capability on behalf of MOD, fantastic learning and development opportunities as well as the other perks of being a civil servant. Find out more from the candidate information pack on Civil Service Jobs.

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 this role you will:

• Provide impartial, evidence based advice and technical assurance to project teams and customers to enable them to make informed decisions
• Provide radar advice through system modelling and performance analysis e.g. working with Matlab /Python/C++ for code prototyping.
• Lead/support the development of radars and associated technology, including novel approaches to the design, assessment and testing
• Analyse data collected from real-world radar assets uniquely available within MOD
• Work in close collaboration with wider UK and allied intelligence community
• Undertake technical review of design and acceptance documentation and provide specialist advice at design reviews; support testing and evaluation trials
  
  

Safety

Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;

• Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy,
• Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example,
• Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports,
• Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management,
• Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
• Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System.
  
  

In This Role You Will

• Provide impartial, evidence based advice and technical assurance to project teams and customers to enable them to make informed decisions
• Provide radar advice through system modelling and performance analysis e.g. working with Matlab /Python/C++ for code prototyping.
• Lead/support the development of radars and associated technology, including novel approaches to the design, assessment and testing
• Analyse data collected from real-world radar assets uniquely available within MOD
• Work in close collaboration with wider UK and allied intelligence community
• Undertake technical review of design and acceptance documentation and provide specialist advice at design reviews; support testing and evaluation trials
  
  

Safety

Accountable for ensuring safe and secure work;

• Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy,
• Must demonstrate the expected HS (& EP) behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example,
• Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience and knowledge (i.e. competent / SQEP) for self and direct reports,
• Develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to security, health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management,
• Be aware of the downstream impact of their actions and the actions of their direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.
• Implement Dstl's policies and ensure compliance with the Management System.
  
  

Person specification

Essential Technical Skills

• Communicating complex ideas;
• Delivering to deadlines;
• Collaborative working;
• Knowledge of RF and / or radar system principles;
• Knowledge of electromagnetic signal principles;
  
  

Essential Experience

• Experience of working with RF systems (e.g. radar, ECM, communications)
• Experience of using software models and simulation tools
• Experience of developing software models and simulations tools using MATLAB, Python and / or C++ programming languages.
• Experience of digital signal processing
  
  

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 Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Qualifications

Degree based in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or Statistics

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership
  
  

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. 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:

• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• 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.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.
• Pension Alongside your salary Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes a minimum of £10,941 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
  
  

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

The application will consist of a CV and personal statement, please show where your skills and experiences meet the essential criteria laid out above.

Applications will be reviewed the week commencing 25th August 2025 and interviews will be held in person on the 16th and 17th September 2025. The interview will assess your technical skills in relation to the job profile in the candidate information pack, and the behaviours listed below. You will also be asked to deliver a presentation at interview, detail of which will be sent with the interview invite.

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 dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

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.

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.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
  
  

Further information

Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days. Should we be unable to resolve your complaint you have the option to escalate this to the Civil Service Commission.