Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Embassy in Washington DC is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Defence Science and Technology team as the Air or Land Science and Technology lead. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US - contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.
The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources.
We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.
In either role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.
The successful candidates will support the UK-US Defence Science and Technology relationship, helping to strengthen collaboration across defence capability, innovation, research and technology communities. Working with senior stakeholders across MOD, Dstl, Front Line Commands, US Government and industry partners, you will identify opportunities for collaboration, facilitate bilateral engagement and provide advice on emerging technologies and capability developments.
These roles support the UK’s broader strategic objectives in Defence Science and Technology collaboration, and wider technology prosperity and offers valuable experience in international engagement and cross-government collaboration.
We’re looking for a self-starting, proactive, and collaborative professional with experience in the delivery of Defence Science and Technology collaboration. You’ll bring strong stakeholder management, communication and technical skills and a commitment to high-quality work at pace.
Roles and responsibilities:
*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organisational needs.
Essential on arrival:
• Must be a British National.• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.• Ability to work collaboratively across organisations and international partners.• Experience in UK defence, capability development, science and technology, innovation, research, acquisition or related fields.• Strong communication, briefing and organisational skills.• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Expert
Desirable skills / experience / qualifications:
• Current UK Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).• Experience working with UK and US partners or in an international environment. • Knowledge of US Defence Land and/or Air capability, science and technology programmes. • Experience analysing complex technical, capability or policy issues and providing advice to senior leaders.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
Eligibility
You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
Core Hours/Hybrid Working
While many jobs in the US Network are able to offer flexibility in terms of working hours, core business hours are 09:30 to 15:00 (in the local time zone) Monday through Friday.
Employees will be expected to work from office full-time during the first 90 days of employment. After this time employees may work from home no more than 40% of the working week, subject to operational needs.
All working hours and hybrid working are position specific and subject to change at any time, without notice. If you have any questions, please address them with the hiring manager.
Working Patterns
It is expected that you will have regular contact with colleagues in the United Kingdom and therefore may be required to attend virtual meetings outside of routine office hours. The role is also focused on the UK/US relationship and may require attendance at off-site meetings across the United States. There may also be a requirement for international travel.
Learning and Development
The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
Unique Tax Rules
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.
Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 27 September 2026.
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
