Leading Engineer - Specialist Search Technical Services
Job Title: Leading Engineer - Specialist Search Technical Services
Salary: The starting salary is £53,459, which includes allowances totalling £2,928.
The salary is broken down as £50,531 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £55,103. Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: Southwark
Support frontline Counter Terrorism operations
To protect London, we need all kinds of people, with all sorts of skills. As a Leading Engineer in our Specialist Search Technical Services (SSTS) team, you’ll use your talents to support crucial Counter Terrorism operations. Play your part in keeping the Capital’s communities safe. Join our expert team.
You’ll be part of the Threat Mitigation Technologies department, within the Specialist Search Technical Services team, enabling all kinds of activities for Counter Terrorism Policing. As part of this vital function, you’ll supervise a small team of fellow engineers, working closely with your police officer colleagues to provide a range of technical capabilities. They could support everything from weapons detection technologies and Explosives Trace Detection (ETD), to Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), X-ray systems, and other search and detection techniques. It’s a varied and interesting role where you’ll be operating out in the field, as well as procuring, modifying, testing and operating a range of systems, as well as providing line management supervision of your engineering team.
We’re looking for proven engineering or scientific experience and a relevant qualification in a STEM subject. Having a working knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum, radio frequency communication systems, or either chemical or radiological detection principles would be advantageous to this role. Whatever your background, you’ll be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, having the confidence and communication skills to deal with all types of people. You’ll also have proven experience of line management / supervision of staff in an engineering, scientific or technical environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading engineers’ behaviours and values should meet the standards expected and described within the Metropolitan Police Service’s Competency and Values Framework (CVF) at Level 2
- Leading engineers provide line management and professional development focus to a small team of engineers including distributing tasks, monitoring workload, assessing performance and staff welfare.
- They are responsible for producing accurate technical information through investigation and analysis.
- Demonstrating good negotiating skills with equipment suppliers and manufacturers when engaged in procurement activities to achieve best value for money.
- You may be required to manage and be accountable for a budget.
- Engineers are required to attend, pass and maintain role specific training. (e.g. Licensed Search Officer, Radiation Protection Supervisor, and Technical Surveillance Counter Measures specific training).
- Work operationally in the field, occasionally under their own supervision.
- You will be required to supervise operationally in the field.
- Endeavour to improve the current portfolio capability by identifying better equipment and / or procedures. This may involve the development, procurement and evaluation of related technologies.
- Frequently involves working unsocial and extended hours, often at short notice supporting counter-terrorism and crime related policing operations.
- Be able to work as part of an ‘on-call’ rota.
- Work can be in difficult and challenging environments and circumstances.
- On occasion, you may be requested to work outside of the Metropolitan Police District (OMPD) to support national counter-terrorism or crime operations.
- The role is physical, involving carrying loads, deploying equipment and loading and un-loading vehicles.
- A uniform and / or health and safety personal protective equipment, is provided and must be kept smart, tidy, clean and in good condition
- Due to the nature of this role you must pass a security clearance level of MV/DV.
- Drive Metropolitan Police vehicles up to 7.5 Tonnes.
Our Employee Commitments
Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of “Working to keep people safe from Terrorism”.
Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today’s complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’.
Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, and including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).
Counter terrorism Policing recruitment is open to all, but we are keen to positively support those who are younger in service to join into our specialist environment.
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) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.
How to apply
To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply now" button below. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 23rd September 2025.
Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. The application review for this vacancy will commence 1 to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates will commence within 4 weeks for hiring manager review.