Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person, Nationwide, Assigned every 3-5 years at an RAF Unit in the UK (preferences taken into consideration)*
Salary: Pay: Starting salary £27,200 including benefits (pay increments yearly, on promotion and Government pay review increases in line with cost of living)
Job Role:
As an Operations Specialist within the Royal Air Force's Air & Space Operations Profession, you will operate at the heart of military activity, supporting UK Defence operations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Operations Specialists play a vital role in the protection of UK airspace, supporting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), global military operations, humanitarian missions, NATO commitments, and emerging space-domain activities, including missile warning and space surveillance operations.
Working in dynamic, fast-paced environments, you will analyse complex information, support critical decision-making, and coordinate operational activity. Accuracy, sound judgement, adaptability and teamwork are essential, as your actions will contribute directly to mission success across air and space domains.
This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to be part of a professional community that delivers Air and Space Power worldwide, protecting national interests and supporting operations wherever and whenever required.
As an Operations Specialist, you could:
- Support Air Traffic Control operations at RAF airfields.
- Coordinate flying operations and mission planning activity.
- Work within Air Defence and Aerospace Systems teams protecting UK airspace.
- Support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.
- Manage military airspace and operational information.
- Enable the deployment of RAF aircraft and personnel around the world.
- Support Space Operations, including space surveillance and missile warning activities.
- Deliver operational information and decision support to commanders.
- Work alongside military, government, NATO and international partners.
- Contribute directly to operations that protect the UK and support global security.
No two assignments are the same. Throughout your career, you could work in operational headquarters, airfields, control centres, deployable environments, Space operations or specialist support teams across the UK and overseas.
A Career Unlike Any Other:
As your experience develops, you will have opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications, undertake specialist training, lead teams, advise senior commanders and operate in increasingly complex and challenging environments.
You could serve at RAF stations across the UK, deploy overseas, support NATO operations, contribute to multinational exercises and develop expertise in some of the most advanced operational systems in Defence.
Why Join the RAF:
· Protect UK airspace and support global security.
· Work with cutting-edge military, aviation and space systems.
· Travel, deploy and operate alongside international partners.
· Gain leadership, management and specialist professional qualifications.
· Join a profession offering exceptional variety and long-term career development.
· Play a key role in delivering real-world operational effect every day.
Who We're Looking For:
This role is ideal for individuals who:
- Thrive in fast-paced environments.
- Enjoy problem-solving and decision-making.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
- Want responsibility from an early stage in their career.
- Have an interest in aviation, technology, operations or Space.
- Are motivated by challenge, variety and continuous development.
Education Qualifications:
GCSE or equivalent at Grade C/4 (Scottish National 5 at Grade C) or above in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics.
During Phase 1 training, Recruits must complete Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths at no cost to the Recruit unless they can prove the qualification is already held. This is a mandated requirement to be able to proceed to Phase 2 training.
Joining Age:
16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Other entry requirements:
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
Whether or not you were born in the UK, you should have resided there for 5 years immediately preceding your application but candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.
Training:
Phase 1 - Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton for 10 weeks - Develop military skills, fitness, teamwork and leadership foundations.
Phase 2 – Operations Specialist Training at RAF Shawbury 9 weeks - Develop the operational knowledge and skills required to begin your career as an Operations Specialist.
Benefits:
- 39 days annual leave
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Relocation assistance
- Sick pay
- Free medical and dental
- Adventure training & sporting opportunities
*Career progression allows for remote working opportunities and overseas assignment locations.
Pay: From £27,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Free or subsidised travel
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Housing allowance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
