Defence & MOD Recruitment
Scantec places SC and DV cleared engineers, project managers and technical specialists into UK defence and MOD programmes. Our defence consultants recruit exclusively within regulated engineering sectors, maintaining direct relationships with prime contractors and their tier-one supply chain partners.
Key Takeaways
- SC and DV cleared engineers, project managers and technical specialists placed into active MOD and defence programmes.
- Pre-screening covers clearance validity and nationality eligibility.
- Contract and permanent mobilisation.
UK defence spending is set to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2030, with the MOD equipment plan valued at over £288 billion across the next decade. Programmes including AUKUS Pillar 1, GCAP, Dreadnought and Type 26 are creating sustained demand for cleared professionals across mechanical, electrical, systems and EC&I engineering disciplines.
What defence and MOD roles does Scantec recruit?
We provide engineering talent across all project phases, from design through to installation, commissioning and site delivery, covering Mechanical, Electrical and EC&I disciplines. We also cover IT disciplines across design, project delivery and operational support, including project managers, architects and technical specialists.
Every defence candidate is assessed for active clearance status, vetting expiry and sponsoring organisation before submission. We cross-reference programme requirements against nationality eligibility where applicable. Read our latest intel on the defence recruitment market 2026 for hiring timeline context.
Why choose a specialist defence recruitment agency?
Defence recruitment depends on clearance, compliance and confidentiality. Generalist agencies submit candidates who fail BPSS screening, waste programme time and create security risk. A single invalid submission to a classified programme can damage your supplier relationship.
Scantec pre-screens for SC and DV clearance validity, lapsed-clearance reactivation timelines and programme-specific vetting standards. Our consultants understand the processes required to transfer SC and DV clearances and the timescales involved. They also verify the difference between a transferable SC and a project-locked DV. Candidates can browse live SC and DV cleared engineering jobs, employers can review our approach to nuclear and defence recruitment sourcing, and both can explore the full engineering recruitment capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Scantec verify security clearance for defence roles?
Every candidate confirms their clearance level, vetting expiry and sponsoring organisation before submission. We cross-reference against programme requirements and advise on transfer or renewal timelines where clearance has lapsed or changed sponsor.
Does Scantec supply both contract and permanent defence staff?
Both. FCSA-accredited payroll partnerships handle contract and umbrella arrangements. Our permanent team manages direct-hire mandates from briefing to accepted offer. We also deliver project-based volume mobilisations for programme ramp-ups.
How long does SC or DV clearance transfer take between defence employers?
SC transfers typically complete within 4 to 6 weeks where clearance remains active and sponsor handover is straightforward. DV transfers run 8 to 16 weeks and require fresh vetting interviews. Lapsed clearances beyond 12 months usually need full reapplication. Scantec confirms current status before shortlist submission.
Which UK defence programmes does Scantec actively recruit for?
Our defence division supports prime contractors and tier-one suppliers across AUKUS Pillar 1, GCAP, Dreadnought, Type 26, Astute and wider MOD infrastructure mandates. Live roles span mechanical, electrical, EC&I, systems engineering, project controls and IT delivery across submarine, air, land and cyber domains.
Get in Touch with Scantec
Call or submit a vacancy. Ask for Gareth Knight or James King in our defence division.
