World-class defence equipment requires world-class maintenance and support
Category: Recruitment
Publish date: 04/05/2021
Integrated Logistics Support
World-class defence equipment requires world-class maintenance and support. Come and join the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) team and help influence the design and support of cutting-edge technology for the UK Armed Forces.
Whether you’re already an experienced ILS specialist, seeking a career change or looking for your first job, we have a range of exciting career opportunities on offer.
A rewarding career in a world-class team
Joining the ILS team will give you a unique and exciting opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a range of defence projects.
Working collaboratively with technical specialists across DE&S and the wider industry, you’ll utilise ILS methodologies to help plan and deliver through-life support packages for a range of equipment.
Your end goal will be to develop technologically advanced and cost-effective equipment and support, that meets the needs of the Armed Forces; equipment that lasts longer, requires less ongoing maintenance and works reliably in the environment its needed, whether that’s the Antarctic or the jungle.
A range of exciting projects
As a part of the ILS team, you’ll be delivering through-life support packages for a range of equipment; from fighter jets, armoured vehicles, submarines and aircraft carriers, through to clothing and ammunition.
You could be designing a support solution from concept through to disposal, optimising equipment while it’s in-service, or supporting the efficient disposal of equipment at the end of its operational life.
Your role might cover in-the-field support robust enough for the Army’s Apache helicopters, or the state-of-the-art maintenance required by the RAF’s latest Lightning II aircraft.
Either way, you’ll find a career that is exciting, rewarding and fulfilling.
Interested, but not sure if you have the right skills?
We won’t expect you to be an expert in ILS methodologies from day one; many of our current ILS Managers joined us without any formal training. Whatever your skillset and level of experience, we’ll support you with the specialist training you need. Plus, you’ll have the support of your peers and a range of technical specialists to help guide your decisions and support you in reaching your full potential.
“When you see the aircraft that you’ve been working on flying over your house or on the news, delivering medical aid, for example, it’s really rewarding. The forces have their capabilities because of something we’ve delivered and you know the equipment you’ve provided works and that you’ve actually played a role in saving lives.”
– Justyn Cannon, ILS Manager.
Why Defence Equipment & Support?
Have you had a military career with experience in keeping equipment operationally fit and available? Are you looking for a new career opportunity as a civilian? - Then DE&S is the place for you!
At DE&S we’re looking for like-minded military personnel who understand what it takes to keep equipment operationally fit and available for each mission. We have various technical support roles where you as an individual, can still make a difference to the operationally deployed User and Maintainer. We need people like you that understand the support complexities that are faced daily; in both training and operations.
Integrated Logistics Support career roles
A career as an Integrated Logistics Support professional will present you with the challenges and opportunities of steering a range of projects. These could include the design of new equipment, and the upgrading, updating or upkeep of in-service equipment, with the principle aim of ensuring the equipment is supportable. This highly rewarding role is critical to providing front line maintainers with the tools, information, training, facilities and infrastructure they need to fulfil their role. You will be taught and developed in how to use the Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) discipline practically, as well as having the opportunity to gain formal qualifications, such as a post-graduate or Master’s degree.
What does our DE&S Integrated Logistic Support team have to say?
Andrew Dale - Integrated Logistic Support Lead
“I joined DE&S following a full career in REME, joining DE&S some 12 years ago. My military experience provided me with the ideal foundation blocks in my new civilian career in DE&S. My role requires me to work in collaboration with project, operational, engineering, commercial, supply and finance colleagues, as well as my lead operations manager; in the upkeep of a diverse fleet of tracked and wheeled equipment.
"I have had exceedingly fulfilling career roles since joining, from operational research, which involved bridging support gaps between equipment design requirements to the delivery of practical logistic support solutions, and various roles as an Integrated Logistic Support Manager, directing ILS into these projects. DE&S has enabled me to use my valuable military engineering experience, while providing me with excellent training and development opportunities, including a post-graduate in Supportability Engineering. Plus, there’s the flexible working, reasonable pay and pension benefits.”
Kevin Weekes - Integrated Logistic Support Subject Matter Expert
“I am currently serving in the REME and based at DE&S, with an insight into both Military and Civilian aspects of what a Technical Through Life Support role entails. From my experience I can honestly say that the job is very fulfilling and rewarding. My current role involves bridging the gap between the demonstration and manufacturing phase of new platforms to its transition into service, the User. I also engage with Units daily, resolving issues and managing all technical documentation relevant to my portfolio of platforms.
"Transitioning from the Military to a DE&S role would be the ideal next step for anyone leaving the Military who doesn't want to sever ties completely. You’re able to continue supporting equipment that is familiar, and work for an employer that understands and encourages a good work-life balance. I wish you all the best in the future.”
If you feel the above sounds like the perfect role for you, keep an eye out for our upcoming Integrated Logistics Support (Bristol) vacancy, which is due to launch towards the end of May. To see all our latest vacancies please head over to the CTP’s online job portal, RightJob.
Diversity and inclusion at DE&S
We are committed to making DE&S a truly inclusive workplace for everyone and are involved in numerous business-wide and community activities, which support Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce; Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities. Over the last year, DE&S Abbey Wood Headquarters have participated in the ‘Stepping Up’ programme to develop Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic leadership talent, in collaboration with Bristol City Council.
No matter who you are, where you come from, or how you think, we want to help you be the best that you can be – achieving your aspirations and reaching your full potential.
Our people are supported to really be themselves. This is a place where differences are valued and our employees are treated fairly and with respect. We look to harness the collective and complementary skills, knowledge and backgrounds of all our people – because it’s your fresh ideas that enable us to make innovative business decisions.
If you think you’d be the right fit for DE&S, and all the above excites you, please head over to the CTP’s online job portal, RightJob to find our latest vacancies.