Engineering is the largest business function in our organisation – and it’s one of the most fulfilling too. Because it’s only by delivering the most advanced, battle-winning technology that we can keep those on the front line at the top of their game. That’s why we stay inventive and create positive change, with a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and minimising environmental impact too. Ready to make an impact that matters to the nation?

Are you passionate about the defence of the United Kingdom, with a good moral compass and a drive to protect people? Are you interested in joining the defence programmes that support the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force’s capabilities? Are you interested in joining projects that are fielding the most technologically advanced Air Platforms in the world?

If you are an experienced Aeronautical Engineer interested in becoming part of the UK Ministry of Defence aerospace programme, supporting our Armed Forces in current and future operations, we have a number of unique opportunities within the Air capability delivery teams, supporting fixed wing platforms such as Fast Jets, “Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, Acquisition and Reconnaissance” (ISTAR), Heavy lift, and Pilot Flight Training Aircraft. We also have opportunities in rotary wing platforms like Apache, Merlin, Chinook, Wildcat, New Medium Helicopter, including Special Projects, Multi Air Platforms or the equipment, simulators and facilities that enable them. The teams are currently delivering and supporting battle-winning solutions to our Armed Forces, whilst introducing replacement aircraft that have more advanced capabilities.

We are looking for people with experience in mechanical systems, structures, propulsion, electronics, avionics, power systems, certification, release to service, weapons integration, software, and/or support equipment relevant to the air environment.

As one of our Air Engineers, you will base yourself in one of the 15 locations providing engineering support to front line maintainers, with scope to interact with engineers across the business:

MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, BS34 8JH

Leonardo Helicopters, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2YB

2 Valley Road, Wattisham Flying Station, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7RE

RNAS Culdrose, Helston TR12 7RH

RAF Odiham, Hook, Hampshire, RG29 1QT

RAF Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6AA

AAC Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, SO20 8DY

RAF Lossiemouth, Lossiemouth, Moray, IV31 6SD

RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3LX

RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE33 9NP

RAF Waddington, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 9NB

RAF Coningsby, Lincoln, LN4 4SY

RAF Leeming, Northallerton, DL7 9NJ

RAF Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG

RAF Valley, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 3NY

We are committed to developing our people, whilst enabling delivery within defined project boundaries, supporting a positive and proactive mind set, with a great work/life balance and an array of other benefits that come with being a member of the Civil Service. Careers with us offer stability, professional development, and the chance to work on high profile and exciting projects. If you are seeking a challenging role and the chance to make a real difference in supporting our Armed Forces, apply today!

Due to its secure nature, these posts are open to UK nationals (sole or dual) only.

Interviews will only be conducted between the 28th of February and 10th March 2023. Please ensure your availability to book appointments on those days.

Please note some attendance to the stated site may be required for this position.

Responsibilities for Air Engineer

In these roles, you will support the delivery design change, modifications, and clearance of new capabilities for any of the platforms, providing assurance to the Lead Engineering Authority. You will use your technical and airworthiness experience to advise and influence senior leaders.

As Air Engineer, your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Managing the delivery of all engineering aspects in area of responsibility, as defined in the assignment specification or objectives, including managing the acquisition safety aspects.
• Providing subject matter advice and guidance, in your own technical area, to solve technical problems and identify application risks.
• Monitoring and implementing any governance and assurance policies and procedures to ensure the ‘safe & professional’ status for your area of responsibility.
• Contributing to the development of requirements related to your area of specialism, including acceptance plans, performance criteria and draft specifications, or managing the technical requirements for the acquisition life cycle stage of a project, program, service or system.
• Producing and contributing to Engineering Management Plans.
• Interfacing with industry as the intelligent customer, both in a scrutiny role and supporting the identification of application risks.

We are particularly interested to hear from aerospace engineering graduates, with practical MOD or Industry experience in one of the relevant sub-disciplines, as well as those with a career in the air environment who can demonstrate their engineering competence through experience rather than formal qualifications, including ex-service personnel looking for a second career in the air environment.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• You will hold a minimum of a Level 4 (e.g. HNC) qualification in a relevant engineering-related subject or will demonstrate equivalent experience from within the aerospace industry.
• You will have experience of working within a civil or military aviation/aerospace environment as part of an Aviation Acquisition project, with experience of working across a wide stakeholder community.
• You will have experience in the development of the Engineering Assurance and Governance tools and processes.
• You will have experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful engineering outcomes.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Technical decision making – Supervised Practitioner
• Technical risk management – Supervised Practitioner
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

We’re pleased to offer a generous benefits package to support everything from your work-life balance to your bank balance, including:

• 25 days’ holiday a year, plus 1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday.
• A market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27 percent, an annual performance-based bonus, and recognition awards.
• Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications, with plenty of opportunities and support for progression.
• A huge range of discounts including retail, sports, leisure, restaurants, gifts, days out, holidays, cinema, motoring, insurance, health care, gym memberships, and more.
• Up to six days of paid leave a year for volunteering.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave schemes, offering 100% pay for 26 weeks (after a qualifying period).
• We champion a diverse and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and give their best. We believe that by harnessing the power of different ideas, experiences, and perspectives, we can achieve our ambitions, together. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
• Discover more about Little Book of Big Benefits and pension schemes.