The Challenger 3 Commander / Loader will play a key part in the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme (CR2 LEP) trials team, as a vital part of the pre-series CR3 vehicle crews. They will function as either the Commander or Loader/Operator of the pre-series Challenger 3 (CR3) vehicles, however may be required to operate in all turret positions throughout trials. They will work as part of a closely-knit vehicle crew including engineering specialists and technicians to operate the latest generation Main Battle Tank (MBT), through a series of incremental trials as part of a wider trials team.  

The successful candidate must have prior Challenger 2 experience at a minimum of crew commander level. The individual will undergo conversion training (including return to role training) to enable them to be amongst the first operators of the British Army’s new CR3 MBT.

This role will include extensive travel through the UK and Germany.

General duties and responsibilities

• Working as part of a close knit team to achieve the trials outcomes, through accurate and safe operation of the trial vehicle.
• Safely operating the vehicle in accordance with the operating procedures, trial documentation and local/standing orders (as applicable).
• Supporting and guiding engineers and technicians to safely operate the CR3 though their platform knowledge and expertise.
• Feeding back accurate information on system performance to the vehicle owner, regarding vehicle performance/function, failures, training processes etc.
• Supervising and where necessary conducting crew maintenance (e.g. before-, during-, and after use maintenance; and CFTs) Correct conduct of level 1 / user maintenance activities including: before, during and after use maintenance.
• Providing support to maintainers in the conduct of level 2+ maintenance, where safe and appropriate. Activities may include embodiment of design modifications, regression testing and failure investigations.
• Detailed reporting and initial investigation of vehicle issues to the vehicle owner, and or Root Cause Investigation Team members.
• Additional responsibilities, where trained, may include support to the production of training material or vehicle documentation through user-centric review.

Vehicle commanding

The role will include periods where the candidate will be required to act as the vehicle commander:

• Responsible for the overall crew and vehicle safety, and the vehicle’s operation in accordance with operating procedures, trial documentation and local/standing orders (as applicable).
• Supervising vehicle crew and ensuring they are supported in their tasks.
• Responsible for maintaining clear communications with off vehicle personnel e.g. Trials Managers and Vehicle Owners.
• Responsible for ensuring accurate feedback of information regarding failures and faults.

Vehicle loader / operator

The role will include periods where the candidate will be required to act as the vehicle loader:

• When operating as the vehicle loader/operator they will support the commander in the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Responsible handling and loading of the new 120mm smoothbore main armament with ammunition weighing up to 29 kg.
• Responsible for conducting weapon checks and drills on the main armament, coax and self-defence weapon, in order to achieve planned trial outcomes.
• Supervising vehicle crew (e.g. Gunners) and ensuring they are supported in their tasks.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS YOU SHOULD HAVE

Mandatory

• You must hold a full UK driver’s licence, including category H – tracked vehicles.
• You must have recent Challenger 2 experience as a crew commander or similar.
• You must be capable of handling ammunition weighing up to 29 kg per round.
• An understanding of the conduct of Live Firing procedures and range safety is critical
• Proficient user of MS Office application is required

Desired

• Regimental or Gunnery Schools Instructional experience on CR2 is desired.
• Trials experience and knowledge e.g. from ATDU / ETG, is desired.
• SC cleared.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

Our employees receive a competitive benefits package and will work for a growing organisation that offers great opportunities for personal development and career advancement. We also offer a range of additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme and Cycle2work

CONTACT INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION