burger-style menu icon
ENGINEER OFFICER
(AEROSYSTEMS)
Currently recruiting
Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world
PAY DURING INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING
£33,100+
+ Benefits
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+ Benefits

As an Aerosystems Engineer Officer you will manage the maintenance and operation of the RAF's cutting-edge aircraft and supporting technology.

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?
  • 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
white stopwatch icon for duration 24 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cranwell
You’ll complete the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.
blue down triangle icon
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration 21 weeks
white map-pin icon for location 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.
blue down triangle icon
03
First tour
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
As a Junior Officer (JO) you will lead across the Military Air Environment and signals/cyber domain.
blue down triangle icon
04
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years.
blue down triangle icon
05
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location 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.
blue down triangle icon
06
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.
blue down triangle icon
white left arrow large icon
white right arrow large icon
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
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
2
Health Assessment
3
Fitness Test
4
OASC
5
Familiarisation visit
6
Training
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 near to you, 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
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

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 briefing Technician in hangar
SIMILAR
ROLES
Cyberspace
Engineer Officer (CE)
white bookmark icon
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
Cyberspace
Cyberspace Communication Specialist
white bookmark icon
Gaming & computers Building & fixing things Travelling the world
Engineering
Aircraft Technician (Avionics)
white bookmark icon
Aircraft Building & fixing things Travelling the world