Aerosystems Engineering Officer

Royal Air Force; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship

Subsidised food

Travel

Accommodation

Free gym

Job summary

Royal Air Force seeks motivated officers to lead Aerosystems Engineering efforts, overseeing aircraft maintenance and flight readiness. The role starts with rigorous initial officer training and a clear progression path, including specialist training and leadership across the military air environment.

Applicants undergo a structured 6-phase process, with sponsorship options and opportunities to fly and work globally as part of ongoing development and career progression within the RAF.

Qualifications

• Must be aged 17.5–47 with attestation before 48th birthday.
• GCSE Grade C/4 English Language or Scottish National 5 Grade C.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in an engineering or scientific subject.
• Meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria.
• Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre and a fitness test.

Responsibilities

• Manage the maintenance and operation of RAF aircraft and supporting technology.
• Lead large teams of highly-skilled technicians.
• Set, influence and maintain air-safety policy and direction.
• Oversee the safety of munitions and other explosive materials.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world

PAY DURING INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING

PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT

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

• Ensure aircraft are ready to fly at all times
• 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
• Lead and manage large teams of highly-skilled technicians

Requirements at a glance

Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday.

GCSE Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language

Have an accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria

Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre and a fitness test

You must be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION

At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.

Phase one training

Initial Officer training

24 weeks

RAF Cranwell

Your training will commence on the Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) where you will graduate outside the College Hall Officers’ Mess at RAF College Cranwell.

Phase two training

Specialist training

21 weeks

RAF Cosford

Next you’ll move onto Engineer Officer Foundation Training and the Aerosystems Specialist Engineer Training (ASET) at the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering.

First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

As a Junior Officer (JO) you will lead across the Military Air Environment and signals/cyber domain.

Your career prospects

Ongoing

As assigned

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years.

Ongoing development

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

You will have all the personal development opportunities and career prospects together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique engineering experiences in the process.

Transferable skills

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.

ENGINEERING SPONSORSHIP

The Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (DSUS) will pay tuition fees up to £9250, a bursary of £5,000, plus up to £1500 in earnings for 30 days of training each academic year. In return we expect you to join your local University Air Squadron where you will gain unique, hands‑on experiences participating in sports, adventurous training, opportunities for flying lessons and summer work placements on RAF Stations.

• subsidised food
• travel
• accommodation
• free gym

1

Suitability Assessment

Stage 1 of 6

This session is designed to assess your motivation and readiness to attend the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC).

It has two parts and lasts 15 minutes in total. It may be conducted in person or online and you will be interviewed by a Flight Lieutenant or a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

Part One is about you and you may be asked about your achievements, spare time activities, responsibilities and examples of leadership and commitment.

Part Two assesses your Motivation and Service Knowledge. You should be prepared to talk about the role you are applying for, the training that you will be expected to do, the role of the RAF, where we are based and length of service/Reserve commitment.

2

Health Assessment

Stage 2 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

3

Fitness Test

Stage 3 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .

4

OASC

Stage 4 of 6

This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before.During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

The day will end with an interview.The first half of the interview coversyour achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

You can watch a video here that explains the OASC selection process in more detail.

5

Stage 5 of 6

This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also take another fitness test. Instructions and requirements will be sent to you in advance.

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview.

6

Training

Stage 6 of 6

(M)IOT and officer staff training

The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.