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Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world

PAY DURING INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING
£35,900+
+ Benefits

PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£54,700+
+ Benefits

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

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

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What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Career, training & education

Sponsorship

Benefits

Application process

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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

Requirements at a glance

Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday.
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
Candidates without the required degree can apply via the Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme , which is designed to help gain the relevant degree from university

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria

Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre

Pass a Fitness test

View all entry requirements below

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 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 .

Candidates without the required degree can apply via the Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme , which is designed to help gain the relevant degree from university.

Applicants must also have a GCSE at Grade C /4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language.

If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

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. This will be established during the selection process.

The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.

There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Security Check (SC).

Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.

Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations

RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.

Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.

If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.

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.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Information

Why is BMI important?

One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.

What is BMI?

BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.

How to measure your waist circumference

Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.

Calculating your BMI

Calculate your BMI here

BMI Limitations for RAF Selection

Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)

18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)

16 to 17
17
27
27
27

Eyesight

Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.

Health Criteria

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.

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

Achieve the minimum security clearance of Security Check (SC) for this role.

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 .

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.

Read more

24 weeks

RAF Cranwell

Phase one training

The course is split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

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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21 weeks

RAF Cosford

Phase two training

You’ll study topics including:
Fundamentals of airframes, aerodynamics, electronics, avionics, propulsion, structures and materials

Airworthiness standards and regulation

Management of armaments and hazardous material

This is accredited in part by Lincoln University

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.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

First tour

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.

Aerosystems (AS) officers support the delivery of flying hardware either leading a shift of maintainers on a flying squadron, leading a maintenance flight (maintaining aircraft, weapons or support equipment). AS engineers gain a broad range of skills working with industry on new and existing equipment, for instance as a key decision maker as part of a large technical programme such as the introduction of the F-35.

To broaden you as an officer, regardless of your Aerosystems or Cyberspace Engineering specialisation 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 by becoming a STEM Ambassador.

04
Your career prospects

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Your career prospects

You may be selected to serve on a pension earning commission of 20 years’ service or age 40 (whichever is the later), during this time.

Promotion to the rank of flight lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis 2½ years from completing IOT, or 1½ years if you have a technical Master’s degree. Further promotion to squadron leader and above is by competitive selection.

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.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing development

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 fifty paid 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.

06
Transferable 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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Ongoing

As assigned

Transferable skills

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.

Additionally, as you’re promoted you will receive further leadership and management training to match your responsibilities.

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.

View sponsorship

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.

Discover more

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

Health Assessment

2

Fitness Test

3

OASC

4

Familiarisation visit

5
Training

1

Health Assessment
Stage 1 of 5

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.

2

Fitness Test
Stage 2 of 5

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 .

3

OASC
Stage 3 of 5

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.

You can watch a video here that explains the OASC selection process in more detail.

4

Familiarisation visit
Stage 4 of 5

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.

5

Training
Stage 5 of 5

(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.

APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.

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