Navigation Certification Manager

£37,400 – £44,000 per annum (plus benefits)
MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity, to play a key role in supporting the navigation systems for the Royal Navy?

If you are a Merchant or Navy Seaman, looking to utilise your skillset and be at the forefront of technology development, we have a unique opportunity for a Navigation Certification Manager to join our small and dedicated team of specialists, delivering exceptional Mine Hunting Capability through Maritime Autonomous Systems.

You will develop the MOD’s understanding of Autonomous Surface Vessel collision and avoidance systems, with a particular focus on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). Using your expert knowledge to review Mine Hunting Capability systems, you will satisfy requirements related to safe navigation and collision avoidance. You will have the opportunity to work closely with the Naval Authority Group and develop the MOD’s understanding, in order to achieve vessel certification for remote and supervised autonomy for Autonomous Surface Vessel within Mine Hunting Capability.

This is a truly unique opportunity to become a pathfinder in the use of Maritime Autonomous Systems for the Royal Navy and provide a step change operating doctrine and operating model in mine warfare, to put the safety of our sailors at the forefront of our technological development.

Responsibilities for Navigation Certification Manager

As the Navigation Certification Manager, your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Reviewing Mine Hunting Capability systems to satisfy requirements related to safe navigation and collision avoidance
• Liaising with the Naval Authority Group in the development of MOD understanding, in order to achieve vessel certification for remote and supervised autonomy for Autonomous Surface Vessels
• Liaising with Naval Authority Group and contractors, to establish the functional capability of collision avoidance systems
• Working closely with the fleet navigation office, as the focal point for navigation, to establish policies and operating philosophies for autonomous systems
• Liaising with Naval Authority Group and contractors, to establish the functional capability of collision avoidance systems
• Liaising with trials teams, to gather evidence in support of certification
• Undertaking a leading role in the development of autonomous navigation safety policy within MOD

What you will be assessed against

To be successful with your application, you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• You will hold a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate
• You will hold a suitable Navigation Qualification (e.g. ‘MoD Specialist Navigator (Royal Navy)’ or ‘Certificate of Competence for Master Yachts’)
• You will hold a relevant Level 4 (or higher) Engineering/Science qualification or have equivalent relevant technical experience
• You will have knowledge of maritime legislation relating to navigation and operations (e.g. COLREGS)
• You will be capable of making convincing technical arguments, providing advice in your field, and leading the delivery of successful outcomes
• You will have experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups

It would benefit your application if you are able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Operator experience gained within the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy or commercial ship operator
• Knowledge and experience of autonomous systems, or an aligned discipline such as Electronics, Sensors or Robotics
• Professionally Registered with a relevant institution and be able to achieve IEng or CEng within 12 months of appointment

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Improve Engineering Capability (Supervised Practitioner)
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation & Acceptance (Practitioner)
• Communicating and influencing
• Changing and improving

What’s in it for you?

You will receive a generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution), annual bonuses, a flexible working pattern to fit you where possible, 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days with opportunity for movement and promotion. Some of our sites include an onsite gym, onsite restaurants, cafes and much more.

Find out more about what we offer by clicking here or by reading more about our Employee Benefits.

Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

About your team

Cutting-edge engineering and science is a critical component in delivering modern, battle-winning technologies to all branches of the armed forces. Engineering is the largest business area within DE&S – and it’s one of the most fulfilling too. From managing technical risks, engineering resources and services, to defining and assuring best practice, our engineers are exemplars both within DE&S and our industry partners and professional bodies.

For further information or to express interest, please get in touch with the Employment & Education team via this email address or on 023 9298 1920.