Technical Lead (Development) - Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office
Job Summary
Job Description
A leading role delivering Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO) product portfolio, spanning astronomical and celestial navigation and astronomical data.
About UKHO
UKHO is an executive agency, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. We work with a wide range of data partners to chart the world's oceans in order to develop and serve world leading software and data solutions to commercial shipping companies, navies and maritime organisations. Our products ensure safe navigation and global trade efficiency and support other marine activities including economic development, environmental protection, resource exploration and utilisation, scientific research and security and defence.
Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO) – sits within UKHO’s Operations Division’s Scientific Analysis Group. HMNAO is a specialist team whose purpose is to provide solutions to astronomical and celestial navigation problems and to provide astronomical data to a wide variety of customers, both military and civil, including the public.
The role
The purpose of this post is to provide the expertise required to take a leading role in delivering core elements of the HMNAO product portfolio, to champion continual improvement of both the portfolio and of the team’s “way of working” (processes, practices, etc) and to support the Technical Leader of HMNAO with the formulation of policies, standards, strategies and planning.
In addition, the postholder will be required to represent both HMNAO and the wider UKHO in collaboration with external organisations and scientific communities, providing subject matter expertise on HMNAO related topics. Core elements of this engagement will be:
- To contribute and actively develop the close partnership that HMNAO has with the United States Naval Observatory (USNO).
- To participate on International Astronomical Union (IAU) working groups and commissions.
Engagement may also include collaboration with industry partners, customers (civil and military), and universities and other academic institutions.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a technical specialist with strong astronomical and mathematical skills who is able to apply scientific concepts and advances to meet real world customer needs in navigational and astronomical environments. The ability to apply skills in programming, data analysis and algorithm development to meet the evolving needs of our customers, both military and civil is also essential. Key to success in the role is a genuine desire to work collaboratively as part of a small, forward-looking team. Ideal attributes include the ability to problem solve and work independently with a positive can-do attitude.
Compensation and Benefits
UKHO is a great place in which to explore your career potential and offers a wealth of training and development opportunities. While our projects are career-defining, the work/life balance that we can offer you is equally exceptional. From flexitime, flexible working, an award-winning office environment, wellbeing schemes, a generous annual leave allowance, and access to MOD and Civil service discounts, the opportunities open to you here are hard to beat.
For a full job description, including the competencies you will be assessed on in your application, please click the apply button.
Closing date: 23:55 26 April 2021.
Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.