Scientific Adviser Lightning

Role overview

This is a Grade 7 opportunity for a highly capable defence professional to support test and evaluation work on the F-35 Lightning II air system. The role sits within a multinational, multidisciplinary test environment and offers the chance to contribute directly to UK combat air capability during a period of heightened global tension.

The postholder will lead a small team of MOD civilian analysts working across two overseas locations, providing support to both UK sovereign and US-led Lightning test and evaluation activity. The role reports to the Senior Scientific Adviser in the Air & Space Warfare Centre (ASWC) at RAF Waddington, and because of the distance from the UK, it demands a strong level of independence.

This is a reserved position, so applicants must meet the stated eligibility rules. The post is advertised at 37 hours per week and carries a three-year tour length. The successful candidate will also complete two weeks of pre-deployment preparation and briefings at ASWC HQ before travelling to the United States. The final duty location will be agreed after interview.

The overseas posting also comes with a visa-related condition: under current US immigration rules, common-law relationships are not recognised in the same way as UK arrangements. If only a tourist visa is available for a partner, the employee must be treated as unaccompanied for the tour. Support for a partner is only possible where a full visa is issued, not a tourist visa.

About the organisation

The Air & Space Warfare Centre provides authoritative, impartial and integrated advice for operations in air and space, including electronic warfare, cyber and information. Its Operational Research Branch delivers scientific analysis to support decisions on current and future capability.

The branch’s civilian OR and test specialists work across headquarters and multiple ASWC units, giving evidence-based advice to front line squadrons, test and evaluation squadrons, and Air Command.

Within this structure, 17 Test & Evaluation Squadron is a joint Royal Air Force and Royal Navy unit that conducts operational testing of the F-35B at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. In addition to sovereign test work, the squadron contributes to the US-led F-35 United Operational Test Team based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. That team is responsible for testing all three F-35 variants for the US, UK and Australian services.

Main purpose of the role

The Scientific Adviser (Lightning) will be responsible for leading, managing and developing a team of four UK MOD analysts, split between 17TES and the UOTT. The team supports independent assessment of Lightning capabilities used by UK and coalition forces.

The role requires the postholder to ensure analysts apply sound scientific methods to test design and data collection, use suitable analytical and statistical approaches, and produce robust analysis outputs that support key conclusions in test reports. The adviser will also promote the use of innovative analytical tools and work with UK and US counterparts to make best use of existing datasets and tools.

A further key requirement is maintaining a broad overview of all analyst activity and aligning work to the strategic priorities of both UK MOD and the UOTT. Because the team is overseas, the role also includes responsibility for the welfare of analysts and any dependents outside the workplace.

This position offers direct influence over the multinational F-35 programme, helping ensure the UK Lightning force stays well informed about the strengths and limitations of the aircraft as hardware and software evolve. The work has a direct effect on aircraft lethality, survivability and overall UK combat air effectiveness.

Key accountabilities

• Provide leadership and day-to-day direction to a small analyst team supporting both 17TES and the F-35 UOTT.
• Review technical material and advise on test and evaluation documentation so activities are practical, efficient, scientifically sound and useful to commanders and operators.
• Help build UK Lightning test and evaluation capability by engaging with the F-35 Joint Program Office, the UOTT, industry, ranges, contractor support and facilities teams.
• Advise senior RAF leaders on UK and international policy matters, and represent the ORB in management, security and operational sovereignty forums.
• Offer technical guidance to UOTT leadership on test philosophy, requirements and execution for real-world and synthetic testing.
• Support analysts with data collection, processing, analysis, modelling and simulation issues.
• Raise the standard of technical rigour in test plans, procedures and reports across 17TES and UOTT outputs.
• Meet the nationality requirements needed to access Special Access Program material.

Experience and knowledge required

• Demonstrable background in testing complex systems.
• Practical experience with modelling and simulation, including how to interpret results and verify and validate models.
• Experience using operational research methods and tools.
• Ability to apply scientific and analytical techniques to practical, real-world problems.
• Strong capability in handling, shaping and analysing large data sets.
• Track record of explaining analytical findings to both technical specialists and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations.
• Experience leading a team or managing a substantial project.
• Comfort working with highly sensitive information.

Desirable background

• Previous experience as a line manager, project manager or military leader.
• Familiarity with the MOD or wider defence environment, especially combat air doctrine and concepts.
• Experience with trials planning, design and execution.
• Background in air systems test and evaluation, including live flight testing and synthetic environments.
• Use of advanced statistical methods.
• Experience handling classified material.
• Experience working on Special Access Programmes.

Qualifications and licences

A scientific degree or another numerate degree is required, with evidence to be provided at interview. Any qualification, licence or membership declared must already be held when applying and, where relevant, remain current. Equivalents will not be accepted.

A valid UK driving licence is essential because some of the locations involved are remote.

Assessment areas

Applicants will be assessed against the following behaviours: Leadership; Seeing the Big Picture; Communicating and Influencing; and Making Effective Decisions.

Technical assessment will cover: knowledge and application of operational research skills and techniques, and ability to create impact through analysis.

Pay and benefits

The salary for this post is £61,630. In addition, the Ministry of Defence contributes £17,854 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days and rising by 1 day each year up to a maximum of 30 days, plus 8 statutory Bank Holidays and 1 privilege day.
• Special paid leave of up to 6 days per year for volunteering.
• Flexible working arrangements within a 37-hour full-time week, subject to operational needs; part-time working and job sharing are not available.
• Up to 5 days a year of learning and development tailored to the role.
• An inclusive culture that values diversity.
• Additional family-friendly benefits are offered, though the source text does not list them in full.

Additional information

This vacancy is handled by Resourcing Team 1 for contact with Defence Business Services. If there are technical problems with the CS Jobs system, the support contact is candidate@support.oleeo.com.

Applicants should review the attached SOFA Restrictions document to confirm they are eligible to apply.

The role is advertised for 37 hours per week, and the overseas tour lasts 3 years.

The selected candidate must complete 2 weeks of pre-deployment preparation and briefings at ASWC HQ before travelling to the United States.

Because the post may involve remote locations, a valid UK driving licence is required.

This is a reserved role and applicants must satisfy the nationality and security requirements linked to access to Special Access Program material.

The post includes overseas welfare responsibility for the team and any dependents accompanying them.

Location will be decided after interview in discussion with the successful applicant.

The role is based in Edwards Air Force Base, California, or Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, with final posting arrangements confirmed later.