AddressCurrently recruiting
Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world
PAY DURING INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING
£31,000+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£47,000+
+ BENEFITS
As an Aerosystems Engineer Officer you will manage the maintenance and operation of the RAF's cutting-edge aircraft and supporting technology.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
What will you do?
- 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
Minimum education requirements
- 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
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
View all entry requirements >
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 Course
24 weeks
RAF Cranwell
You’ll complete the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.
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02
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.
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03
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Junior Officer (JO) you will lead across the Military Air Environment and signals/cyber domain.
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04
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years.
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05
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.
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06
Transferrable skills
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.
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ENGINEERING
SPONSORSHIP
Please view our Engineering Sponsorship page. This is only available for Regular applicants.
View sponsorship
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
View all benefits
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
Selection Interview
Stage 1 of 6
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place online and cover the following topics:
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests and hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Training
- The role you’ve applied for
- The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
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, 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 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 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.
Visit our Cranwell training page 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 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 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language.
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
