This role is currently closed for new applications.
Please register your interest and we will contact you when the role re-opens.
CYBER
OPERATOR
UK Strategic Command has launched the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme to provide an accelerated route into cyber roles within defence, as announced by the Secretary of State for Defence in September 2024.
Cyberspace is relentlessly contested by actors ranging from rogue individuals to nation states. Defence is no exception, facing constant cyber threats against our information and digital systems.
This recruitment pathway has been developed to make it easier for people with relevant interests and skills to join the Ministry of Defence’s mission to defend and operate in cyberspace.
Recruitment through Cyber Direct Entry guarantees service in specialist cyber roles for the duration of service and recognises that the skills needed to conduct cyber operations are different to those needed for operations in traditional environments. Therefore, successful applicants will complete significantly reduced military training courses with a focus on the skills relevant to cyber-only careers in Defence.
The starting salary for Cyber Operators will be over £40,000 and they can go on to earn up to £25,000 in additional skills pay throughout their career on top of pay rises from promotion and time served. Those on the scheme will gain the benefits of a career in the military including medical and dental care, access to gyms and sports facilities, adventure training, as well as having many opportunities for professional and personal development.
Applications for the Royal Air Force scheme opened on the 6 February to join in early summer 2025. Successful applicants will join for shortened initial military training at RAF Halton before undertaking cyber specific training at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham. Cyber roles will be based at various locations across the UK, including the Defence Digital HQ at MOD Corsham in Wiltshire and the future National Cyber Force HQ in Samlesbury, Lancashire.
Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 18 - 39
- Must be a high-aptitude candidate with graduate level skills.
- Minimum requirement of GCSEs at Level 4 in Maths, English and a further STEM subject. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis e.g. Education Waivers may be considered should you not meet the minimum GCSE criteria but hold a BSc or higher in Computer Science, AI & Machine Learning, any Cyber Security degree, or have evidence of other relevant graduate level qualifications
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
SIMILAR
ROLES
While applications for the Cyber Operator role are currently closed, we have other Cyberspace roles that you may be interested in and that are open for applications. Please find out more information - and apply - through the links below.
