Weapon Effects Analyst and Software Engineer

• Deliver high-quality weapon effects analysis and modelling to support Defence and Government decision-making.
• Develop, maintain, and improve the analytical models and software tools used across the business.
• Apply and advance physics-based and empirical modelling techniques to assess weapon effects and collateral damage.
• Conduct research to improve the accuracy, assurance, and credibility of our analytical methods.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Collaborate with colleagues, customers, industry partners, and international stakeholders to share expertise and enhance capability.
• Contribute to the future development of weapon effects methodologies, standards, and best practice across Defence., Sifting will take place week commencing the 19th October with interviews to be arranged on the 12th & 18th November 2026, interviews will be based at Dstl Portsdown West & consist of a behavioural & technical interview, this will include a short brief on a relevant piece of work showing your technical background. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

We’re looking for someone who can combine analytical thinking with software development skills and enjoys solving complex technical problems.

You should have:

• Experience developing, validating, or assuring analytical models and software tools.
• Knowledge of software engineering principles and practices.
• Experience using modelling and simulation techniques to solve technical challenges.
• Coding experience, ideally in MATLAB.
• The ability to interpret complex data and deliver robust, evidence-based conclusions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills., * Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline., Physics, Maths, or Engineering degree., * Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Describe how you would investigate the discrepancy and determine whether the results are genuine or caused by an error in the data, analysis, or software.”, This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

£30,741 - £35,088 Salary dependant on skills & experience

This role may benefit from our new skill-set allowance. If you possess a specialist skill-set required at Dstl, you may benefit from additional monetary allowance in addition to your salary – a handy bonus for your craft! (£1,000-£4,500 per annum). This allowance is payable just 3-months from joining. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% GBP, Alongside your salary of £30,741, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides ., Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).
• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.
• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.
• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.
• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid
• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.
• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

At Dstl, we help Defence meet its legal and ethical responsibility to minimise harm to civilians and ensure the proportionate use of force. As a Weapon Effects Analyst & Software Engineer, you’ll use analytical methods, modelling, and software development to provide trusted scientific evidence that supports operational decisions, capability development, and defence policy.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex, real-world challenges that directly influence Defence outcomes.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.