Senior technical specialist - automated vehicles - united kingdom, united kingdom

about the job

summary

we recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. we are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. we are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

would you like to be at the forefront of developing technical requirements and safety assurance methods for automated road vehicles, representing the uk in international expert groups, and delivering novel research programmes?

if so, we have an exciting opportunity to join us in ivs, working in the field of automated vehicle safety and security.

job description

the department for transport s international vehicle standards (ivs) division is offering a unique and exciting opportunity to play a leading role in a high-profile area, developing regulations and shaping requirements for safe, secure and innovative road vehicles both now and into the future.

in this role, you will develop standards for automated vehicles. your work will be varied, covering areas such as automation, connectivity, and more established aspects, such as braking and steering, in the context of a variety of applications (from emerging vehicle designs through to conventional passenger cars, vans, trucks and buses).

ivs lead the department s work in developing policy and technical regulations for safer, cleaner and quieter road vehicles (from e-scooters and pedal cycles to heavy-goods vehicles, tractors and off-road machinery). we are a team of experts in the fields of active and passive safety, automation, vehicle security (including cybersecurity), environmental impact, and vehicle approval. taking an informed approach means we establish relationships across industry, universities and other organisations, and that we develop, commission and lead exciting and original programmes of work to shape our understanding.

in ivs we pride ourselves on having a friendly, inclusive and supportive work environment and we are committed to promoting equality and diversity. we actively support team members in developing their own skills, expertise and careers.

responsibilities

include, but not limited to:

• developing and delivering technical requirements for vehicle automation, cybersecurity, data recorders as well as more established vehicle systems such as braking and steering

• working with colleagues in the centre for connected and autonomous vehicles (ccav) and our agencies (the vehicle certification agency and the driver and vehicle standards agency) to develop consensus on vehicle standards

• supporting in establishing and negotiating the uk s interests at international meetings as well as building and utilising relationships to help achieve our strategic goals

• identifying knowledge gaps and ways to fill those gaps through evidence gathering and engaging with companies and experts at the forefront of innovative technologies, vehicle designs, and safety assurance

• coordinating requirements for, write proposals for, commission and oversee the delivery of projects with external partners

• providing expertise within ivs and across the department, demonstrating flexibility across other projects and technical areas where required

• running meetings and consultations, including with international partners where required

• representing the department in meetings and conferences, including internationally where required

• advising ministers and senior colleagues on your subject as well as responding to enquiries from members of parliament, members of the public and the media

about you

to be successful in this role, you will have the ability to understand and appreciate complex technical information and systems, and be able to summarise this effectively for a given audience.

you can work effectively with a wide-range of different stakeholders, building relationships and collaborating where appropriate to achieve desired outcomes.

by anticipating and being aware of changing political, economic, social, environmental and technological developments, you are able to react appropriately.

you are able to see the bigger picture, maintaining a government-wide perspective and looking for opportunities to achieve collective goals.

additional information

a minimum of 40% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace, although requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another dft workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance.

qualifications

this role is technically demanding. candidates should therefore hold a science or engineering degree or similar academic/technical qualifications. post-qualification experience of the application of your science or engineering knowledge is also required.

behaviours

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

making effective decisions seeing the big picture communicating and influencing working together delivering at pace benefits

being part of our brilliant civil service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. we offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

find out more about what it's like working at the department for transport .

watch the video below and hear from minister of state, andrew stephenson mp, about how a career with the department for transport can make a real difference to people s lives.

things you need to know

security

successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

people working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

selection process details

this vacancy is using success profiles , and will assess your behaviours and experience.

we are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus, and will be following central government advice as it is issued. there is therefore a risk that recruitment to this post may be subject to change at short notice. in addition, where appropriate, you may be invited to attend a video interview.

please continue to follow the application process as normal and ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.

how to apply

as part of the application process you will be asked to complete a cv and personal statement. further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

when considering applying please look at how your experience relates to the role, and within your cv and personal statement please provide detailed evidence of your experience of the following:

• working with complex technical (and perhaps conflicting) engineering or scientific information (such as but not limited to: data, research findings and expert views) and using this information to draw conclusions and to make recommendations

• delivery of work (such as, but not limited to: projects, research, briefings, presentations) to challenging deadlines

• working effectively with a wide-range of different stakeholders, building relationships, collaborating and influencing where appropriate to achieve desired outcomes

your personal statement will be limited to a maximum of 750 words.

the sift is due to take place from 18th july 2022.

interviews/assessments are likely to be held from week commencing 15th august 2022.

we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. there may be occasions when these dates will change. you will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.

the selection process will be designed specifically for the role. as a result, your assessment will include:

• an interview

• a written exercise/presentation

you re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within.

the department for transport alongside other government departments recruit using success profiles. this means for each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate in order to be successful. this gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.

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