Weapon Technician
Job description: Maintain aircraft ejector seat systems, load arms and explosives on RAF aircraft, and maintain their weapon carriage and release systems.
Please note this trade is receiving a high volume of applications and is currently over-subscribed.
Pay after one year: £17,140
Joining age: 16 – 29
Category: Airmen/airwomen
Usual service: 9 years
Open to: men or women
Similar civilian jobs:
- General light engineering
- Electro-mechanical engineer
Qualifications you need: 3 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3 minimum or equivalent in English language, maths and an approved science/technology-based subject
Qualifications you can gain: BTEC National Award in engineering; NVQ Level 3 in aeronautical engineering maintenance as part of an Advanced Apprenticeship
Nationality: Citizen of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, or a Commonwealth citizen since birth
The job
As a Weapon Technician, your primary responsibilities are to arm the fighter and bomber aircraft with weapons and to make sure that all the weapons management and release systems are in full working order. Most Weapon Technicians spend their first tour of duty working on operational flying squadrons, helping with ground-handling tasks and preparing aircraft for their next flight. Like all engineering personnel working on a flying squadron, you may get the chance to work overseas.
Training
The RAF’s technician training earns you a National Engineering Certificate at Level 3 and an Advanced Apprenticeship, including an NVQ Level 3. Whatever your skills when you join, you can be sure of getting valuable training in a specialist trade.
Opportunities
As you get more experienced, you may go on to work in an Armament Bay, servicing and repairing ejection seats, gun pods, bomb carriers and rocket launchers. You may also work in an Explosive Storage Area, handling bombs and missiles or in Armouries, where you will service small arms and automatic weapons. Some Weapon Technicians also volunteer for training in bomb disposal – a job that calls for a cool head and steady hands.
