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

Meet Jamie Every day is different for Engineering Officer (Communications Electronics), Jamie, from leading a group of technicians to adventure training with his team. Minimum education requirements An accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate engineering, computing 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 Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language Minimum education requirements An accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an engineering or scientific subject, : Electronic Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Computer Science or Physics. 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) Requirements Be aged 21 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) 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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status) Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre Pass a Fitness test - Details below Requirements Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Engineering Reserves are required to join the Specialisation first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from Squadron specialists. Ex-Regular Engineering officers and ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Be aged 21-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Qualified ex-military personnel Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) Commit to 27 days per year Pass a Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside 614 Sqn, Cardiff 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. 01 Phase one training Initial Officer training 24 weeks RAF Cranwell Your career will start with Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire where you will follow a challenging 24-week syllabus to develop your leadership and management skills. 24 weeks RAF Cranwell Phase one training

Module 1 – Military Skills where you will learn the basics of being part of the RAF

Module 2 – Development 1: Know yourself to lead others 

Module 3 – Development 2: Line management & command 

Module 4 – Consolidation (Summative assessment & graduation)

02 Phase two training Specialist training 19 weeks RAF Cosford You’ll begin your course at the Defence School of Communications Information Systems (DSCIS) at RAF Cosford. 19 weeks RAF Cosford Phase two training

This will prepare you for your Junior Officer tour, and beyond. With additional study you could also gain your BSc (Hons) degree in Communications Engineering Management.

03 First tour Junior officer tours Ongoing As assigned As a JO you’ll be operationally focused, leading teams of skilled, non-commissioned officers and technicians. Ongoing As assigned First tour

These postings typically last for 2-3 years and as well as managing and directing your teams work you’ll also be looking after their welfare too.

04 First tours Career prospects Ongoing As assigned Within your first or second tours, you will automatically be promoted to Flight Lieutenant and given extra responsibility. Ongoing As assigned First tours

As your career progresses you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of different roles and environments. This could range from working within the headquarters of the RAF, or Permanent Joint Headquarters Northwood, planning and supporting overseas operations through to working in Defence Intelligence and being immersed in classified intelligence communities understanding their communication needs. Roles also include providing RADAR systems to generate the Recognised Air Picture, which allows Air Traffic Control and Aerospace Battlespace Managers to track aircraft over the UK and areas of operation overseas, or providing platform-specific IT systems essential for the maintenance and support of our fourth and fifth generation aircraft.

05 Ongoing development Personal development opportunities Ongoing As assigned You’ll have all the personal development opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique engineering experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

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 fifty paid 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.

06 Transferrable skills Accredited training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills

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.

prevnext ENGINEERING SPONSORSHIP

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

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

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

Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RAF?

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 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.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING 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. 1 Filter interview 2 Health assessment 3 Fitness test 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Filter interview Stage 1 of 7

Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.

The interview covers the following topics:

2 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 below for 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.

3 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.

Your Pre-Joining Fitness Test will take place at a local fitness centre. The test will consist of:

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

4 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 covers your 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

5 Familiarisation visit 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 meet to pass.

6 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.

7 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.

View our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be aged 21 – 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.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

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

Degrees should 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 Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS); The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE); The British Computer Society (BCS) - (Other degrees might be accepted at the discretion of the Engineer Specialist, please apply and this will be assessed on a case by case

Degree accreditation status can be determined via the .

Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C /4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language.

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NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY NATIONALITY 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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalising as a British citizen.

RESIDENCY Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. 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.