Weapon Effects Analyst and Software Engineer
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Department
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Location
- Fareham
- Openings
- 1 post
- Grade
- HEO
- Salary
- £30,741 to £35,088
- Closing
- 20 days left
- Profession
- Analysis and Statistics, Engineering
- Contract
- Permanent
- Security clearance
- DV
- Working pattern
- Annualised hours, Flexible working, Full-time, Compressed hours
Job summary
Make a Difference Through Science and Analysis
At Dstl, we help Defence meet its legal and ethical responsibility to minimise harm to civilians and ensure the proportionate use of force. As a Weapon Effects Analyst & Software Engineer, you'll use analytical methods, modelling, and software development to provide trusted scientific evidence that supports operational decisions, capability development, and defence policy.
This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex, real-world challenges that directly influence Defence outcomes.
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.
What they’re looking for
- What we're looking for:
- About You
- We're looking for someone who can combine analytical thinking with software development skills and enjoys solving complex technical problems.
- You should have:
- Experience developing, validating, or assuring analytical models and software tools.
- Knowledge of software engineering principles and practices.
- Experience using modelling and simulation techniques to solve technical challenges.
- Coding experience, ideally in MATLAB.
- The ability to interpret complex data and deliver robust, evidence-based conclusions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Essential Qualifications
- Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Why Join Dstl?
- You'll work alongside leading scientists and engineers on unique, nationally important challenges, helping to provide the evidence and insight that underpins Defence decision-making while developing your own technical expertise and career.
- Help shape the future of Defence through science, analysis, and innovation.
- For the full job description please see the Job profile attached at the bottom of this page.
- 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 UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.
Behaviours you’ll be assessed on
This advert says the panel will score you against these behaviours at HEO level. Each one links to worked examples.
Job description
What You'll Do
- Deliver high-quality weapon effects analysis and modelling to support Defence and Government decision-making.
- Develop, maintain, and improve the analytical models and software tools used across the business.
- Apply and advance physics-based and empirical modelling techniques to assess weapon effects and collateral damage.
- Conduct research to improve the accuracy, assurance, and credibility of our analytical methods.
- Communicate technical findings clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Collaborate with colleagues, customers, industry partners, and international stakeholders to share expertise and enhance capability.
- Contribute to the future development of weapon effects methodologies, standards, and best practice across Defence.
Qualifications
Physics, Maths, or Engineering degree.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
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.
Sifting will take place week commencing the 19th October with interviews to be arranged on the 12th & 18th November 2026, interviews will be based at Dstl Portsdown West & consist of a behavioural & technical interview, this will include a short brief on a relevant piece of work showing your technical background.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Practise before you apply
Civil Service panels score every answer against the Success Profiles behaviours at HEO level. Practise STAR answers and get them marked against the same framework.
3 free questions · No card needed
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