Join DE&S as a Combat Systems Engineer through our latest GFiE scheme
Category: Recruitment
Publish date: 03/11/2022
Leaving the Service but want to remain part of the team? Are you an engineer with experience in sensors, electronics, navigation communications, or command systems integration? Join Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) on our Military Transition Scheme, working alongside civilian colleagues, veterans and our Royal Navy customers, to continue a career making real impact for the UK Armed Forces.
Working with CTP and the Cabinet Office as part of the Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) scheme, we currently have opportunities for Combat Systems Engineers to join us and help manage and deliver the continued safe operation of vital systems across the Navy’s fleet.
You can join us on a fixed-term contract of up to 23 months, without the need for a formal interview, and we’ll support and coach you to apply for a permanent role when it becomes available.
Hear from our Engineering Manager, Col, who served in the RAF for 22 years, as he discusses life at DE&S:
Tell us about your role.
"I’m an Engineering Manager within the Ships domain. I look after installations and facilitate the installation solutions of Communications Information Systems (CIS) on board our military fleet. The platforms I work on include the Queen Elizabeth Carrier, Type 45 Destroyers, Type 23 Frigates and Landing Platform Docks."
What impact does your job make?
"My role is important because it enables Royal Navy fleets to be installed with the vital CIS that allow the UK to communicate with NATO partners. This is vital for some of our UK Defence programmes."
What do you enjoy most about working at DE&S?
"I’m very happy to be working in a familiar environment alongside military personnel. At DE&S, everyone works together to achieve the organisation’s objectives - we all sing from the same song sheet. I didn’t get that same feeling working with other organisations. That’s how I know I’ll see out my career working here."
Do you feel supported to achieve your professional ambitions, and how?
"Absolutely! I set myself a goal to reach management level within three years of joining and I have achieved that. Everyone who joins the organisation is allocated a Functional Development Officer (FDO) who is there to help and develop you throughout your career. The support and encouragement from my FDO is second to none."
How does DE&S support you to find the right balance between your work and home life?
"I’ve never had a problem finding a balance between work and home life at DE&S. The organisation understands that family comes first and if someone wants to work flexible hours, part time or in a job-share, they will bend over backwards to accommodate wherever possible."
Would you recommend DE&S to others as a great place to work?
"I would recommend DE&S without a doubt. DE&S is very serious in its dedication to supporting inclusion and equality. In addition to the supportive culture and great work-life balance, there’s also the flexibility to move around within the organisation, keeping things interesting.
"If you want to try something new, there’s the option to move to another team to gain additional skills and knowledge without having to leave the organisation – that’s why you work here for a career, not just a job."
What are the perks?
- Flexible and hybrid working
- 25 days of holiday (plus one additional day every year you work up to 30 days), eight bank holidays, and an extra bank holiday in honour of the King’s birthday
- Up to 15 days of paid special leave each year for reservist training
- Leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
- Funding for industry-recognised qualifications, subscriptions to professional associations, and specialist training
- Annual performance-based bonuses
- Employee well-being and occupational health services
- Subsidised on-site gym and sporting facilities at our Abbey Wood site
What’s more, if you join us with a break in service from the military of less than five years, and you’ve completed five years of military service, the military leave allowance will be preserved, and you’ll be awarded 30 days of leave.
Looking for a permanent role?
We also offer permanent opportunities across a wide range of specialisms, from Engineering and Project Delivery to Integrated Logistics and HR. You can find all our level 1–5 vacancies advertised through CTP on RightJob.