Senior Trials Conducting Officer

Organisation: Cranfield University
Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Based at: Off Campus
Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £48,760 to £58,664 per annum with potential progression to £71,050 per annum
Apply by: 31/07/2026

COTEC is an outstation of Cranfield Defence and Security within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences and is located on Salisbury Plain south of Devizes. The site is leased from the MOD and all range operations are carried out under the authority of Defence Training Estates Salisbury Plain DTE(SP). The site carries out a large range of tasks primarily based around the testing and evaluation of explosives, ordnance and munitions for defence and commercial customers.

The site also carries out research and supports the research projects of Cranfield University students.

As a Senior Trials Conducting Officer (STCO) you will lead the planning, delivery and reporting of complex explosives, ordnance and munitions trials for defence and commercial customers. You will be responsible for ensuring trials are conducted safely, efficiently and in accordance with regulatory and COTEC procedures, while producing high-quality technical reports and delivering effective customer solutions.

As a senior technical specialist, you will provide guidance to colleagues, deputise for the Operations Manager when required, contribute to training activities, and support quality and business development initiatives. This role requires strong technical expertise, excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to manage complex projects and adapt to changing operational requirements.

You will have a recognised military qualification in ammunition and explosives, or equivalent relevant technical experience, with significant demonstrable experience in the firing, testing and evaluation of explosives, ordnance and munitions across a range of environments. You will have proven experience of managing and supervising technical activities, analysing trial data and producing detailed technical reports. You will have an in-depth understanding of ammunition systems, range procedures and health and safety requirements, with the ability to operate effectively in a safety-critical environment.

You will demonstrate strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to lead complex trials, manage competing requirements and work collaboratively with customers, colleagues and stakeholders.

A degree in a relevant science subject, membership of a relevant professional body, and experience working with instrumentation, research facilities or industrial partners would be desirable.

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

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We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.

Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

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