Operational Analyst 92 Sqn Weapons

Do you want to support the Royal Air Force (RAF) – the air and space force of the Ministry of Defence?

The RAF’s success depends on their people – the Whole Force – regular and reservist military, civil servants, and contractors, all working as one, working together seamlessly. Civil servants are a central part of this Whole Force, undertaking essential work and contributing to the RAF’s mission and values. The role of civil servants in Defence is more vital than ever – now and for the future.

The Air and Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) Operational Research Branch (ORB) provides high quality, impartial and operationally focussed scientific, analytical and technical advice to enhance the warfighting capability of all elements of UK air and space power. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled individual, with proven technical knowledge and analytical skills, to play a key role in supporting the RAF's front line capability in current and future operations

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

92 Sqn is based within the Air and Space Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington and supports current and future operations by providing: Timely, precise and impartial tactical advice for commanders and operators; expert support to the development and delivery of relevant and demanding training; and specialist advice to support future capability development planning.

As the 92 Sqn Weapons analyst you will work alongside several military counterparts providing support to the squadron. Typical duties include:

• Manage the development of tactical Air to Air (A-A) and Air to Surface (A-S) tools and models to provide specialist support to 92 Sqn on weapon systems and employment.
• Be the trials scientific officer for A-A and A-S activities, including:
• Advice to support the development of test plans.
• Being responsible for data collection and exploitation.
• Conducting weapon analysis.
• Reporting findings as required.
• Develop a deep technical understanding and provide specialist advice regarding in service A-A and A-S weapons within the ORB.
• Maintain links with industry and other key stakeholders to understand current and future trends in A-A and A-S weapon development.
• Develop an understanding of adversary capabilities through engagement with defence intelligence and other agencies.
• Provide advice on A-A and A-S weapons during 92 Sqn exercises, collecting supporting evidence to aid future tactical development.

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or other numerical subject

Open to UK nationals only.

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

Provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Provide a statement of suitability. (250 Word count)

Please fill out the personal statement section stating how your skills and experience fit the requirements for the role. Applicants can also provide a brief outline of what technical skills you are able to bring to the team and how you feel they will benefit the ASWC.

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV and Statement of suitability and the following:

Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical Skills:

• Achieving Impact with analysis
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, the sift will be conducted on your CV and Personal Statement only.

At interview, Candidates will be assessed against the following:

Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical Skills:

• Achieving Impact with analysis
• Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques

Technical skills are based on UK Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Technical Framework 2025 (link GORS Competencies). At sift and interview, you will be assessed against skills (general and specific), experience and behaviours

A GORS badge is not required for this post. However, arrangements can be made for continued membership while in post.

Sifts are expected to take place in September with in person interviews at RAF Waddington in late September or early October.

Post is reserved for UK Sole Nationals only.

Further information:

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.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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