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ENGINEER OFFICER
(COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS)
Currently recruiting
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£31,300+
+BENEFITS
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+BENEFITS

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.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.

 

Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

 

Interested in this role but still in University studying for a degree? See details of our sponsorship opportunity below.

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
Currently recruiting
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

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.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.

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

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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 basis.)
  • 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, 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)
Requirements
  • Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • 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

 

View all entry requirements >

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 6 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 General Fitness Test

 

View all entry requirements >

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
Types of Application
Online RITS Application
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white map-pin icon for location Online
After you complete the website registration on this site, you will be taken to the full Royal Air Force RITS application system to choose one of three entry methods for this role.
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02
Phase one training
Initial Officer training
white stopwatch icon for duration 24 weeks
white map-pin icon for location 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.
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03
Phase two training
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration 19 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cosford
You’ll begin your course at the Defence School of Communications Information Systems (DSCIS) at RAF Cosford.
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04
First tour
Junior officer tours
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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As a JO you’ll be operationally focused, leading teams of skilled, non-commissioned officers and technicians.
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05
First tours
Career prospects
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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Within your first or second tours, you will automatically be promoted to Flight Lieutenant and given extra responsibility.
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06
Ongoing development
Personal development opportunities
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location 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.
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07
Transferrable skills
Accredited training
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Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.
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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. Applications are open between 1 September and 31 March.

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

WHY JOIN AS
AN OFFICER?

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.

WHY JOIN
THE RAF?

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

Benefits icon for Rent from £75p/m
Rent from £75p/m
Benefits icon for Free gym
Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Health care
Health care
Benefits icon for World travel
World travel
Benefits icon for Training
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.

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Training
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Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Paid pension
Paid pension
Benefits icon for Paid holiday
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:

  • Family life
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Special interests or hobbies
  • Interest in the RAF.
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. 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 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.

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

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 Cranwell Training page for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS

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.

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.

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
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. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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 a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 13.52
17-29 13.20
30-34 13.49
35-39 14.14
40-44 14.46
45-49 15.17
50-54 15.53

 

WOMEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 16.22
17-29 15.48
30-34 16.14
35-39 16.44
40-44 17.22
45-49 17.57
50-54 18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

 

A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care. 

 

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document. 

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows: 

Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 30 32 32
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27

Calculate your BMI here

 

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. 
 
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.  

 

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. 

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). 
  • 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

You must be aged 21-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

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 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 indefinite leave to remain 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.

Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency prior to any application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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 a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)

How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 13.52
17-29 13.20
30-34 13.49
35-39 14.14
40-44 14.46
45-49 15.17
50-54 15.53

 

WOMEN
AGE 2.4 Km Run
  (Mins)
15-16 16.22
17-29 15.48
30-34 16.14
35-39 16.44
40-44 17.22
45-49 17.57
50-54 18.34

See here for more information about a training plan

 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care. 

 

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document. 

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows: 

Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 30 32 32
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27

Calculate your BMI here

 

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. 
 
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.  

 

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. 

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). 
  • 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 please contact us.

APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
RAF Engineering Officer (Communication Electronics) supervising equipment set up
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
RAF Engineering Officer (Communication Electronics) supervising equipment set up
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