Aircraft Modifications Safety Engineer (ZigZag) – 1710 Naval Air Squadron
JPAN: 1611905
Grade: OR7
Location: Portsmouth
Contract: 37 hours per week, 3 year contract, Partial Mobility
Security clearance: UKSV Security Check
Closing date: 02/03/26 23:55
All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.
Overview
The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.
This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.
ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.
1710 Naval Air Squadron (1710 NAS) is a specialist Royal Navy unit dedicated to providing expert engineering support, scientific analysis, and recovery services for aviation assets across the globe. Operating both in the UK and overseas, 1710 NAS ensures the operational readiness and safety of aircraft through rapid response, technical innovation, and forensic investigation. You can find more information about 1710 NAS at this website: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/units-and-squadrons/support-and-training/1710-squadron .
The role
We are seeking a Safety Engineer to lead hazard assessments, safety reviews, and risk mitigation for military aircraft modifications, ensuring compliance with airworthiness and operational standards. Working within a mixed military and civilian team, the successful candidate will apply specialist knowledge to real-world Defence aviation challenges, contributing to both current safety assurance and future innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop safety and environmental assessments for aircraft modifications, including Safety Assessment Reports and Environmental Case Reports.
- Lead hazard identification, risk analysis, and apply appropriate mitigation measures throughout the modification lifecycle.
- Chair Safety Review Meetings and HAZID events at key project stages to ensure robust safety governance.
- Ensure compliance with Defence Standards, MAA regulations, and other relevant military and civilian safety frameworks.
- Support Safety Management System (SMS) development, mentor junior staff, and promote safety best practice across engineering teams.
About You
You should have:
- An awareness of Hazards, risk and risk mitigation principles. Including knowledge of hazard logs, safety assessments, and safety cases to a recognised standard (i.e. Def Stan 00-056 or ARP 4761)
- The ability to work in a team effectively.
- Demonstrated experience in hazard identification, risk analysis, and implementation of risk mitigation within engineering or aviation safety contexts.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders across technical and operational domains.
- Eligibility for UKSV security clearance and willingness to travel nationally occasionally to support project delivery.
Training
You will be provided with on-the-job training and the following training courses:
- Royal Navy Initial Militarisation Course
- Divisional Officers course – to understand military leadership and management.
- Airworthiness of Military Aircraft Course – at the Defence Academy
- System Safety Process Management Course – at the Defence Academy
Salary & benefits
- Salary: £51,188.76 to £54,582.60 per year
- Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available).
- Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.
- Other benefits: Free medical and dental care, childcare benefits, enhanced parental leave packages, and flexible service arrangements.
Application process
- Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
- Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
- Medical Assessment: candidates must pass a medical screening.
- Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.
Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People-Tx-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk.
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