Skills

Adaptability Training Project Management

Job Specifications

MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, BS34 8JH

Job Summary

Location: MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH (office attendance required)

Duration: Two years

Start Date: October 2026

Salary: PS30,080 (with annual increments)

Entry Requirements: Bachelor's degree (minimum 2:2)

Working Pattern: Full-time

Join Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to support the UK Armed Forces by delivering cutting-edge equipment and technology. This two-year programme offers hands-on experience in engineering within an aero specialism. We recognise the breadth of engineering and aim to align your skills and experience with the most suitable placements when you join us. While there are multiple engineering posts available, we encourage you to apply to the engineering specialism that best reflects your background to help us match you to the best opportunity. Placements will span the engineering lifecycle; from early concept, next generation platforms and technologies, to acquisition and acceptance of new equipment, supporting in service systems through to the safe environmental disposal of obsolete equipment.

Job Description

What you'll do:

Rotate through multiple engineering placements within your chosen specialism, Industry Defence Partners, and the Armed Forces to experience every aspect of the project life cycle.
Exploit cutting-edge technology; solve engineering problems and develop upgrades to ensure equipment continues to provide the battle-winning edge our customers need.
Gain project management knowledge and experience
Work towards accreditation with several Engineering Institutions as a foundation towards Incorporated or Chartered status.
Read more about the scheme here: DE&S Engineering Graduate Scheme

What You'll Do

Rotate through multiple engineering placements within your chosen specialism, Industry Defence Partners, and the Armed Forces to experience every aspect of the project life cycle.
Exploit cutting-edge technology; solve engineering problems and develop upgrades to ensure equipment continues to provide the battle-winning edge our customers need.
Gain project management knowledge and experience
Work towards accreditation with several Engineering Institutions as a foundation towards Incorporated or Chartered status.
Read more about the scheme here: DE&S Engineering Graduate Scheme

Person specification

Eligibility

UK residency for the last 5 years
Security Check (SC) clearance required
Right to work in the UK (DE&S does not sponsor visas)

Minimum Selection Criteria

GCSE Maths and English Language (grade 4 or above)
A bachelor's (or higher) degree in Engineering with a minimum grade of 2:2, specialising in an aero-focused subject. Click here for: Relevant Degree Subjects
Your degree must be accredited by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution. (Engineering Council, Science Council, Society for the Environment, or Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists & Technologists)
Pass at online assessment stage

Final-year students can apply with official predicted grades; all qualifications must be evidenced by end of August 2026. (Equivalent level qualifications to GCSEs in the required subject and grades will also be considered). Degree accreditation status will be checked during the selection process.

Behaviours

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

Communicating and Influencing
Working Together
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace

Alongside your salary of PS30,080, Ministry of Defence contributes PS8,714 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Salary of PS30,080 with annual increments
25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an extra privilege day)
Employer pension contribution of 28.97%
Flexible and hybrid working options
Professional training and funding for qualifications
Access to employee networks promoting diversity and inclusion
Huge range of discounts

Selection process details

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

Application Process

Apply Online (13 Oct - 10 Nov 2025) Complete an online application form using the link in this advert. Complete all information accurately including how you meet our minimum selection criteria.
Online Assessments (Nov 2025) We'll ask you to complete some interactive assessments. These should take around 20-30 minutes. They will provide us with insight into your adaptability, how you interact and learn new skills, and how you will naturally act and think at work.
Eligibility checks (Dec 2025) We will review your application form to ensure you meet our minimum selection criteria and nationality requirements.
Assessment Centre (Jan-Feb 2026) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre at DE&S headquarters, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. There will be limited dates available. You'll undertake an interview, presentation and a group activity. Please n

About the Company

We protect the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s Armed Forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget. Our priorities 2015 to 2020 are to: · protect our people · project our global influence · promote our prosperity · maintain a strategic base and integrated global support network, and manage the D... Know more