Army Trials Unit

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.�

Are you a machinist who is looking to apply their skills & knowledge to a variety of exciting engineering challenges? The Fitter Turner position offers a fantastic opportunity to become part of the Army Trials Unit�s Technical Engineering Branch (TEB), where you will work as part of a small team to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of military applications.

You will work as part of a small team of 5 to develop innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges, using a variety of metalworking techniques and with access to 3D CAD software, a CNC 5-axis mill, CNC lathe, 3D printers, a laser cutter, guillotine and a plethora of other engineering equipment. Furthermore, you will be involved in the development of new and novel approaches to the provision of engineering support within the Army, through adoption and trialling of emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing/3D printing.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.�

Job description

The Fitter Turner role is in support of the Army Trials Unit (ATU) where new military vehicles are trialled and many modifications for the Army�s fleet of vehicles are developed. As the Fitter Turner for the ATU workshop facility, known as the Technical Engineering Branch (TEB), you will be required to carry out repairs to existing equipment as well as the manufacture and modification of military equipment from engineering drawings or a task description.�

The Bovington site where you will work is located near Wool in Dorset and is focused on the Trialling and Development of Armoured vehicles for the British Army, although there is also the opportunity to be involved in projects for a far wider selection of military vehicles and capabilities in conjunction with our other satellite locations across the UK.

If you have a passion for engineering then this role offers an amazing opportunity. �You will be required to work effectively as part of a small team to tackle a wide variety of design and manufacturing challenges, in support of the Army�s vast and varied fleet of vehicles.� This will see you working with equipment that is already in military service, as well as the next generation of tanks and armoured vehicles that are being brought into service.� This may involve the use of 3D CAD, CNC machining and use of additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture the required components.

Your primary role as the Fitter Turner will be the operation and maintenance of the TEB�s 5-axis CNC mill, lathe and cutting facilities, to support the manufacture of components. You will work with the TEB Manager and Welder Fabricator to ensure that all tooling and facilities are maintained to a high standard and in accordance with Health and Safety policy and regulations.

You should not be put off from applying for this job if lacking experience in certain areas as you will be able to develop professionally as a member of the TEB team, with the opportunity to complete training and courses to fill any competency gaps. In addition to this there will be opportunities to gain experience in advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing of polymers and the use of metal Cold Spray deposition machines.

At the Technical Engineering Branch, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. We offer 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years� service, along with a highly competitive pension scheme. We also offer 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities and many other great benefits.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

Candidate must be skilled and experienced in setting CNC machine tools, tool selection, speeds & feeds.Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.Experience in machining one off and small batch components.Have great attention to detailExperience with modern quality control standards and measurement of parts.Maintain a clean and safe environment.Adhere to Health & Safety regulations.The ability to work well individually and with the team

Desirable criteria:

Experience with CAD/CAM or SolidWorks.Experience of Additive Manufacturing techniques

Behaviours

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

Developing Self and OthersWorking TogetherChanging and ImprovingDelivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Developing Self and OthersWorking Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �23,310, Ministry of Defence contributes �6,752 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include:�

25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years� serviceHighly competitive pension schemePersonal and professional development of skillsAlternative working patterns for many rolesAccess to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.Enhanced parental and adoption leave6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activitiesLearning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.�

The post does not offer relocation expenses.�

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.�

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.��

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at .�

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.��

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey � we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.�

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