Specialist Search Technical Services Engineer

Job Description

The starting salary is £43,227, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.

The salary is broken down as £40,386 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £45,615 Plus, a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Southwark, Lambeth

To protect London, we need all kinds of people, with all sorts of skills. As an Engineer in our Specialist Search Technical Services (SSTS) team you will use your talents to support crucial Counter Terrorism operations. We will support you with specialist training and resources to enable you to play your part in keeping the capital’s communities safe. If this area of policing interests you then come and join our expert team.

You will be part of the Threat Mitigation Technologies section within the Specialist Search Technical Services team; an enabling function for all kinds of activities associated with Counter Terrorism Policing. As part of this vital function, you will work closely with officers and fellow engineers to provide a range of technical capabilities; this could include support for a number of areas such as weapons detection technologies and Explosives Trace Detection (ETD), Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), X-ray systems, SONAR, Video Optics and other search and detection techniques. It is a varied and interesting role where you will be operationally deployed to locations around London in support of proactive and reactive operations, as well as completing office-based functions, such as procuring, modifying, testing and operating a range of systems under the supervision of a Leading Engineer. 

We are looking for proven engineering or scientific experience and a relevant qualification in a STEM subject. Having a working knowledge of either chemical or radiological detection principles, the electromagnetic spectrum or radio frequency communication systems would be advantageous to this role. Whatever your background, you will need to be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team and, you should have the confidence and communication skills to deal with all types of people.

Job Description:

Reporting to a Leading Engineering Technician (Band N) within the Specialist Search Technical Services (SSTS) team, you will work operationally with other engineers and police officers to provide a range of technical capabilities to support counter terrorism policing in London. You will require a STEM background in order to support capabilities such as, but not limited to; weapons detection technologies, Explosives Trace Detection (ETD), Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM: counter-eavesdropping), X-ray systems, and other search and detection techniques.

Key Responsibilities – The individual will be required to:

• Produce accurate technical information through investigation and analysis
• Demonstrate good negotiating skills with equipment suppliers and manufacturers when engaged in procurement activities in order to achieve best value for money
• Attend, pass and maintain role specific training. (e.g. Licensed Search Officer, Radiation Protection Supervisor, and Technical Surveillance Counter Measures training)
• Work operationally in the field, occasionally under their own supervision
• Work across locations within the Metropolitan District, and on occasions asked to support nationwide deployments
• Work unsocial and extended hours to support planned counter-terrorism policing operations
• Work as part of an ‘on-call’ rota
• Sometimes work in difficult and challenging environments
• Work physically carrying loads, deploying equipment and loading and un-loading vehicles
• Be issued a uniform and / or health and safety personal protective equipment, when they are required to use it; it must be kept smart, tidy, clean and in good condition
• A minimum-security clearance level of SC but in some cases the role may require a higher level of clearance
• Drive Metropolitan Police vehicles up to 7.5 Tonnes.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

How to apply

Please click on the below link to view an online candidate information pack that will you give you an insight into the Met, the competency framework we use which shapes our daily work behaviours, the application process, and a host of other information, that will help inform and support your application:

https://sscl-innovation.com/MPScandidatepack/

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 6 December 2023.