Overview
Puma Berry is seeking an experienced, actively DV-cleared Combat Air Operational Analysis, Requirements and Trials Lead for an anticipated long-term assignment supporting a high-priority UK defence programme.
The successful candidate will lead operational analysis and trials activities, translating operational needs into evidence-based requirements and capability decisions. Applicants must have direct fifth-generation combat-air operator experience and a strong background in operational analysis, requirements development and trials delivery.
This opportunity is currently at the competitive bidding stage. Puma Berry is engaging suitably qualified candidates in advance, with the appointment subject to successful contract award.
This is an onsite role involving frequent travel to UK defence locations and occasional international travel.
Contract: 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2028
Indicative day rate: £700–£800
IR35 status: Expected outside IR35, subject to final determination
Essential: Active and transferable UK DV clearance
Key Duties
- Lead operational analysis, requirements and trials activities for a major combat-air programme.
- Translate operational needs into clear, evidence-based capability and system requirements.
- Plan and lead constructive, Operator-in-the-Loop and tabletop trials.
- Coordinate trial scenarios, participants, data collection and supporting documentation.
- Analyse trial results and present clear findings, recommendations and decision-support evidence.
- Develop operational-analysis plans, trial plans, procedures, reports and evidence packs.
- Support requirements compliance, System Requirements Reviews and associated evidence.
- Lead or contribute to mission-effectiveness forums, monthly working groups and stakeholder reviews.
- Work closely with senior UK defence, industry and international stakeholders.
- Report progress, risks, dependencies and actions to programme leadership.
- Maintain strict compliance with security, confidentiality and export-control requirements.
- Travel regularly to UK defence locations, with occasional international travel.
Qualifications and ExperienceEssential
- Active and valid UK Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
- Combat-air operator background with direct fifth-generation platform experience.
- Strong and demonstrable Operational Analysis experience.
- Proven experience leading or materially supporting constructive, Operator-in-the-Loop and tabletop trials.
- Experience producing trial plans, Standard Operating Procedures, process documentation, evidence packs, formal reports and senior briefing materials.
- Strong understanding of requirements management, Operational Analysis evidence, requirements compliance and technical reviews.
- Ability to lead complex, multi-party activities involving operational, technical, government and industry stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong delivery discipline, including managing risks, assumptions, dependencies, schedules and technical assurance.
- Availability from October 2026 to March 2028, including frequent UK and international travel.
Highly Desirable
- Relevant experience within the last 24 months supporting a Future Combat Air programme, F-35, Typhoon or another UK fast-jet programme.
- Combat Air Tactics and Weapons Subject Matter Expert or Qualified Weapons Instructor background.
- Test and Evaluation or trials experience, including flight-trials exposure.
- Recognised Subject Matter Expert capability in Operational Analysis.
- Previous military capability-management experience.
- Experience working with defence science, technology or research organisations.
- Experience supporting multinational or trilaterally delivered defence programmes.
- Experience developing innovative approaches that improve trial effectiveness, delivery assurance or value for money
Important Information
- This opportunity is at the competitive bidding stage, and appointment is subject to successful contract award.
- Applicants must already hold active and valid UK DV clearance.
- This is an onsite role involving frequent travel across UK defence locations and occasional international travel.
- The anticipated contract period is 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2028.
- The engagement is expected to be outside IR35, subject to final written determination.
- Reasonable pre-approved travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed separately.
- Applicants should provide their CV, availability, proposed day rate and evidence of relevant fifth-generation combat-air, Operational Analysis and trials experience.
Pay: £700.00-£800.00 per day
Application question(s):
- Do you hold an active DV clearance?
Experience:
- Operational Analysis: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
