Graduate Engineer, Platform Systems at DSTL

The following is a Graduate Review for DSTL.

DSTL scores 3.3/5 based on 406 reviews.

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What hours do you actually work, on average?

Start: 9:30

Finish: 17:30

What advice would you give to someone applying to this role?

Align your answers to the competency based questions to Level 3 (HEO & SEO or equiv) of the Civil Service Competency Framework. This document is freely available on the web. Graduate jobs are a Dstl Level 4 which aligns to Level 3 on the Civil Service Competency Framework.

Make sure your CV is up-to-date and looks professional. Keep it to about 2 sides of A4. Tailor it to the job.

Give an example of when you have worked to meet a deadline?
Give an example of when you have worked as a team?
Give an example of when you have had to make a difficult decision?
List what you have done at university particularly if you have held positions of responsibility.
List any scholarships you have been awarded.
Write down what modules you have studied.
List what voluntary work you have done.
Write down if you have had any military experience - Cadets, Officer Training Corps/University Air Squadron/University Royal Naval Unit, Reserve Forces, Regular Forces.
Write down if you have held any placements at Dstl or other Defence industry partners (e.g. Selex, BAE Systems, Thales, etc.)
State if you have student/associate membership of any professional bodies relevant to your degree (e.g. IET, IChemE, IMechE, RAeS, IOP, RSC, etc.)

Do you have any interview tips?

Learn about what Dstl does from the website.
You will have a group discussion exercise.
At the interview centre you will have opportunities to speak to current graduates.
General Questions:
Why do you want the job?
Give an example of when you worked as a team?
Give an example of when you have worked to change or improve something?
Give an example of how you have dealt with conflict?
Give an example of when you had to meet a deadline?

Technical questions:
Give a presentation on your final year project?
What do you think the definition of "survivability" is in the context of the Ministry of Defence?
Give examples of what can be used to improve aircraft survivability. Think chaff, flare, camouflage, reduce radar cross section, etc.
How would you develop and test a system so that it could be used operationally on an aircraft?
Current affairs in aviation/military aviation.