RAF Recruitment | Engineer Officer (Aerosystems)

ENGINEERING Engineer Officer (Aerosystems) CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an Aerosystems Engineer Officer you will manage the maintenance and operation of the RAF's cutting-edge aircraft and supporting technology.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During Initial Officer Training £27,200+ + Benefits

Pay after Initial Officer Training £31,800+ + Benefits

Apply as a Regular

DAY RATES: DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

Apply as a Reserve

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

Be aged 17.6 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Should have an accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject. - (Other degrees might be accepted at the discretion of the Engineer Specialist, please apply and this will be assessed on a case by case basis.)
Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE at Grade 2/SNE at Grade C in English Language
Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Aircraft
Analysis and maths
Travelling the world

APPLICANTS MUST:

Be aged 18 – 54 years old
An accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject
Qualified ex-military personnel
Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
Commit to 27 days per year
Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Aircraft
Analysis and maths
Building and Problem solving

Locations

502 Sqn Aldergrove Flying Station, Co Antrim
606 Sqn RAF Benson, Oxfordshire (Extremely Ltd Vacancies)
611 Sqn RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn Cardiff, Glamorgan (Extremely Ltd Vacancies)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide engineering management for RAF aircraft maintenance
Oversee the safety of munitions and other explosive materials
Setting, influencing and maintaining air-safety policy and direction

ENGINEER THIS

As an Engineer Officer, you will be responsible for leading your team and making technical decision when it matters most. You will receive world-class training, providing you with the skills to lead and manage large teams of highly skilled technicians.

As an Aerosystems specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring our aircraft are ready to fly at all times, combined closely with assuring their airworthiness and integrity. You will also maintain weaponry, avionics and propulsion systems, airborne communications and ground support equipment.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary

Benefits Salary

Civilian Role

RAF Role

Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday

See All Benefits

“

No one day is the same, which is one of the most interesting aspects of service life.

”

HARRY Engineer Officer (Aerosystems)

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU'LL RECEIVE

RAF officers begin their career by completing the Initial Officer Training Course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will complete a challenging modular 24-week course, split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your robustness, fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

You will move onto Engineer Officer Foundation Training and the Aerosystems Specialist Engineer Training (ASET); a 21-week course at the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering. This includes topics such as:

Fundamentals of airframes, aerodynamics, electronics, avionics, propulsion, structures and materials
Airworthiness standards and regulation
Management of armaments and hazardous material
This is accredited in part by Lincoln University

More details +

JUNIOR OFFICER TOURS

As a Junior Officer (JO) you will lead across the Military Air Environment and signals/cyber domain. This includes managing the maintenance of aircraft, systems or equipment on flying stations (with several squadrons of aircraft) or on other delivery stations which provide non-flying equipment capabilities such as communications operations, explosives maintenance and support equipment.

You will be operationally focused, leading teams of skilled non-commissioned officers and technicians, managing and directing their work as well as looking after their welfare with each posting lasting typically 2-3 years.

AS officers support the delivery of flying hardware either leading a shift of maintainers on a flying squadron, leading a maintenance flight (maintaining aircraft, weapons or support equipment). AS engineers gain a broad range of skills working with industry on new and existing equipment, for instance as a key decision maker as part of a large technical programme such as F-35.

To broaden you as an officer, regardless of your AS or CE specialization you will also be encouraged to become involved in wider station activities, typically as the Officer in charge of a club or society, or in furthering the engineering profession for example by becoming a STEM Ambassador.

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years and may be selected to serve on a pension earning commission of 20 years’ service or age 40 (whichever is the later), during this time. Promotion to the rank of flight lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis 2½ years from completing IOT, or 1½ years if you have a technical Master’s degree. Further promotion to squadron leader and above is by competitive selection.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

You will have all the personal development opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts - and possibly more - together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique engineering experiences in the process. As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level. You could have opportunities to take on Masters’ degree courses, either full-time or part-time in one of 50 paid for courses while you remain on full salary. We have special agreements with the major Professional Engineering Institutions to attain Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer professional status and we will pay for the associated membership fees.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies. For engineers, we encourage and have developed a streamlined route with various Professional Engineering Institutes for those looking to obtain their Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

There are numerous opportunities for both professional and personal development throughout your career; this may be an MSc/MBA from the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, using your Standard or Enhanced Learning Credits for courses which are of benefit to the RAF, or – if your specific role requires – a year’s Master’s degree at a UK university in a specialist topic. Furthermore, as you are promoted you will receive further leadership and management training to match your responsibilities.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged 21 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be between 21 and 54 years old.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

An accredited Bachelors or Masters in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject e.g.: aeronautical engineering; electrical engineering or electronic engineering.

Degrees should be accredited by one or more of the 3 professional engineering institutions most closely aligned to the RAF’s needs:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS); The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) - (Other degrees might be accepted at the discretion of the Engineer Specialist, please apply and this will be assessed on a case by case basis.)

Degree accreditation status can be determined via the Engineering Council (UK) website www.engc.org.uk.

Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C /4-5 or SCE at Grade 2 /SNE at Grade C in English Language.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance, ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

Full details for Commonwealth applicants can be found here.

Applications from personnel who do not meet the required 3 year UK residency requirement are now closed until further notice, please continue to check the website for further updates. If you have previous service and are applying to rejoin the Royal Air Force, or meet the UK residency requirements for service, please call 0345 605 5555 and ask to speak to a RAF Recruitment Specialist.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This consists of the following:

Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	11.39	9.03	20	35
17-29	11.11	9.10	20	35
30-34	11.36	9.04	19	32
35-39	12	8.09	18	29
40-44	12.26	8.03	17	26
45-47	12.54	7.07	16	23

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	13.54	6.07	10	32
17-29	13.23	7.02	10	32
30-34	13.47	6.08	9	29
35-39	14.13	6.04	8	26
40-44	14.48	5.08	7	23
45-47	15.19	5.04	6	20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC/Fam Visit Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here:

RAF Fam Visit Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Age	Male and female minimum	Male and female maximum	Male maximum with additional assessment	Female maximum with additional assessment
18 +	18	28	32	30
16 to < 18	17	27	27	27

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

An accredited Bachelors or Masters in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject e.g.: aeronautical engineering; IT/IS engineering; electrical engineering or electronic engineering.

Degrees must be accredited by one or more of the 4 professional engineering institutions most closely aligned to the RAF’s needs:

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); The British Computer Society (BCS); The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS); The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Degree accreditation status can be determined via the Engineering Council (UK) website www.engc.org.uk

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	11.39	20	35
17-29	11.11	20	35
30-34	11.36	19	32
35-39	12	18	29
40-44	12.26	17	26
45-47	12.54	16	23

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	13.54	10	32
17-29	13.23	10	32
30-34	13.47	9	29
35-39	14.13	8	26
40-44	14.48	7	23
45-47	15.19	6	20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Age	Male and female minimum	Male and female maximum	Male maximum with additional assessment	Female maximum with additional assessment
18 +	18	28	32	30
16 to < 18	17	27	27	27

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

SIMILAR ROLES

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ENGINEERING Engineer Officer (Aerosystems) CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Pay During Initial Officer Training £27,200+ + Benefits

Pay after Initial Officer Training £31,800+ + Benefits

Share this

DAY RATES: DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

Share this

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

APPLICANTS MUST:

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Locations

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

TRAINING AND CAREER

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

SIMILAR ROLES

HAVE A QUESTION?