Cyberspace Engineer Officer (Communications Electronics) CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an Engineer Officer (Communications Electronics) 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.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During Initial Officer Training £28,800+ + Benefits

Pay after Initial Officer Training £34,600+ + Benefits

DAY RATES: DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • 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 basis.)
  • Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C/4 or SCE at Grade 2/SNE at Grade C in English Language
  • Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
  • Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaming & Computers
  • Analysis and maths
  • Travelling the world

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
  • An accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an appropriate engineering or scientific subject
  • Qualified ex-military personnel
  • Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
  • Commit to 27 days per year
  • Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaming & Computers
  • Analysis and maths
  • Travelling the world

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim (Ex-Regular only)
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (No current vacancies)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon (No current vacancies)
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside (Ex-Regular only)
614 Sqn, Cardiff, (Ex-Regular only)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be ready to deploy all over the World to provide essential communication services in support of air operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
  • Provide engineering and mission support systems that the latest generation of aircraft rely on in order to operate.
  • Specialise in cyber security and help to defend communication networks across Defence.

As an Engineer Officer you will be responsible for leading your team and making technical decisions when it matters most. You will receive world-class training, providing you with the skills to lead and manage large teams of highly skilled technicians.

As a Communications Electronics specialist, you are vital in keeping lines of communication open. You will be responsible for global communications and information systems, as well as cybersecurity, aircraft mission planning and support systems, information assurance and ground-based radar.

As an Engineer Officer you will be responsible for leading your team and making technical decisions when it matters most. You will receive world-class training, providing you with the skills to lead and manage large teams of highly skilled technicians.

As a Communications Electronics specialist, you are vital in keeping lines of communication open. You will be responsible for global communications and information systems, as well as cybersecurity, aircraft mission planning and support systems, information assurance and ground-based radar.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

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

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

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

See All Benefits

JAMES ,Engineer Officer (Communications Electronics) JAMES ,Engineer Officer (Communications Electronics)
I joined the RAF with an aim to be given a lot more responsibility at an earlier age than you could ever expect as a civilian. Having now completed 5 years’ service this has certainly been the case.

JAMES Engineer Officer (Communications Electronics)

TRAINING AND CAREERS

INITIAL TRAINING

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.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After Initial Officer Training, you will then move onto Engineer Officer Foundation Training (Communications Electronics); this is a 19-week course at the Defence School of Communications Information Systems (DSCIS) at RAF Cosford that prepare you for your foundation tour and beyond. With additional study, you can also obtain a BSc (Hons) Degree in Communications Engineering Management.

More Details +

JUNIOR OFFICER TOURS

As a Junior Officer (JO) you will lead across the Military Air Environment and signals/cyber domain. This includes managing the maintenance of aircraft, systems or equipment on flying stations (with several squadrons of aircraft) or on other delivery stations which provide non-flying equipment capabilities such as communications operations, explosives maintenance and support equipment.

You will be operationally focused, leading teams of skilled non-commissioned officers and technicians, managing and directing their work as well as looking after their welfare with each posting lasting typically 2-3 years.

After EOFT(CE), your foundation tour is likely to either be in support of an RAF station’s mission-critical information systems and services, or to 90 Signals Unit, our hub of excellence for Communications Information Systems – including elements that deploy bespoke communications solutions in support of exercises and overseas operations.

To broaden you as an officer, regardless of your AS or CE specialization you will also be encouraged to become involved in wider station activities, typically as the Officer in charge of a club or society, or in furthering the engineering profession for example by becoming a STEM Ambassador.

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

Within your first or second tours, you will automatically be promoted to Flight Lieutenant and given extra responsibility.  As your career progresses you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of different roles and environments; this may 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.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

You will have all the personal development opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts - and possibly more - together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique engineering experiences in the process. 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 50 paid for 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. 

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

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

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS 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).

Be aged 21 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

ALL APPLICANTS 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).

Be aged 21-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

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 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 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 SCE at Grade 2 /SNE at Grade C in English Language.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

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. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Men and Women).

MEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

WOMEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC/Fam Visit Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here:

RAF Fam Visit Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:

Age

Male and female minimum

Male and female maximum

Male maximum with additional assessment

Female maximum with additional assessment

18 +

18

28

32

30

16 to < 18

17

27

27

27

  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

An accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in an engineering or scientific subject, e.g: 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)

Degree accreditation status can be determined via the Engineering Council (UK) website www.engc.org.uk

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

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. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Men and Women).

MEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

WOMEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:

Age

Male and female minimum

Male and female maximum

Male maximum with additional assessment

Female maximum with additional assessment

18 +

18

28

32

30

16 to < 18

17

27

27

2

  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

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

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve