Cyberspace Engineering Officer

Royal Air Force (RAF); United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Engineering Sponsorship

Job summary

The Royal Air Force seeks a Cyberspace Engineering Officer to lead engineering activities supporting IT, strategic communications, satellites, radar, and aircraft systems. You will deploy globally, manage specialist teams, and drive cyber security across defence networks.

Initial training covers officer development, sponsorship schemes, and pathways to advanced leadership roles within the RAF. Opportunities span overseas postings and ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM subject; other degrees considered if they include computing/engineering modules
• GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or equivalent (SCE Grade 2 or SNE Grade C)
• Meet nationality and residency criteria and pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre and fitness test

Responsibilities

• Deploy worldwide to provide essential communication services in support of air operations
• Provide engineering and mission support systems for modern aircraft
• Defend networks through cyber security expertise across defence
• Lead large teams of highly skilled technicians
• Keep lines of communication open and functioning at all times

Skills

Cyber security

Leadership

Team management

Education

STEM degree (BSc/Master)

English GCSE / SCE equivalent

Job description

Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING

+BENEFITS

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

+BENEFITS

As aCyberspace Engineering Officer you are responsible for leading the engineering activity that supports the RAF’s vast array of information technology, strategic communications services, satellite communications, air defence RADARs and the latest generation aircraft engineering and mission support systems.

Every day is different for Cyberspace Engineering Officer, Jamie, from leading a group of technicians to adventure training with his team.

What will you do?

• Be ready to deploy all over the world, providing essential communication services in support of air operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief
• Provide engineering and mission support systems for the latest generation of aircraft
• Specialise in cyber security helping to defend communication networks across defence
• Manage and lead large teams of highly skilled technicians
• Play a vital role in keeping lines of communication open

Requirements at a glance

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

An accredited Bachelors or Masters Degree in an appropriate STEM subject. Other degrees may be accepted if they contain modules in computing or engineering or are supported by previous education or experience.

GCSE Grade 4 or Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) at Grade 2 or Scottish National Equivalent (SNE) at Grade C in English Language

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.

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

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.

Types of Application

Online RITS Application

Online

Phase one training

Initial Officer training

24 weeks

RAF Cranwell

Phase two training

Specialist training

29 weeks

RAF Cosford

First tour

Junior officer tours

Ongoing

As assigned

First tours

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing development

Personal development opportunities

Ongoing

As assigned

Transferrable skills

Accredited training

Ongoing

As assigned

One of the best places to work as awarded by UK IT Industry Awards 2025

The UK IT Industry Awards website describes the awards as celebrating and promoting the organisations, teams, projects, technologies and individuals who continue to help shape the future of IT. The awards ceremony took place on November 12, 2025.

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.

To apply, you must be studying a suitable Engineering/Cyberspace degree and have your student loan in place.

Interested candidates will need to complete a medical and fitness test before attending an Officer selection board at RAF Cranwell. You must apply between 1 September and 28 February each year, but you’re strongly advised to apply by December.

Please view our Engineering Sponsorship page. This is only available for Regular applicants.

When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.

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

Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.

Suitability Assessment

Stage 1 of 7

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.

Health assessment

Stage 2 of 7

All applicants are legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show they’re fit for military duty.

All applicants are legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show they’re fit for military duty.

You will initially have a medical booked by your AFCO where you will be assessed on your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and Body Mass Index. We will also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role.

View details belowfor more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

As part of this assessment we’ll check your overall health, focusing on areas like your 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.

Fitness test

Stage 3 of 7

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, 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 .

• The 2.4km run
• Press-up Test
• Sit Up Test

OASC

Stage 4 of 7

This will be your first visit to the Officers 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.

Stage 5 of 7

The Familiarisation Visit takes place over a two-day period and is designed to give you an insight to Officer training. You will be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, have a number of lectures and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

View details below about the fitness level you will need to pass.

Acceptance

Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

Training

Stage 7 of 7

(M)IOT and Officer Staff Training

The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to provide commissioning officers with the skills and knowledge required to set the foundations for a successful career in the RAF. These foundations will form a solid platform for continued professional development and thus compliment and coordinate with both the RAF Division of the Joint Service Command and Staff College at Shrivenham and the Air and Space Warfare School at RAF College Cranwell.

Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world

Cyberspace

Cyberspace Communications Specialist

Gaming & computers Building & fixing things Travelling the world