Job Description

As an aircraft engineering specialist, (a.k.a. aerospace technician) you will be trained to carry out maintenance and repair work on the sophisticated electronic and avionics onboard civilian or military aircraft such as engines, landing gear, radar, aircraft flight control systems, image and data acquisition and plenty more.

Locations can include public airports, private airfields and military bases.  (For the Navy you might perform this role on-board a frigate, destroyer, helicopter carrier at a Royal Navy air station or with a front line squadron based overseas)

You will also maintain the aircraft electrical generation and distribution systems that provide power for the electronic systems on the aircraft. For military applications, you might also maintain onboard weapon management systems that allow aircrew to select, arm and release aircraft weapons. There are also opportunities to take on instructional duties or work within a software development organisation in support of avionics.

Entry Requirements

You can access this career path via:

• College courses
• Apprenticeships
• University course
• Military career path

University

Foundation degrees or higher national diplomas in engineering will help you access this career.

Relevant subjects include:

• Avionics
• Aeronautical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical or electronics engineering
  
  

You'll typically require:

• 4/5 GCSEs with 9 to 4 grades (A* to C), or equivalent, including Maths, Science and English
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  
  

College

Engineering courses would provide some of the required skills and knowledge this role, such as General Engineering, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

More specialist courses are also available:  

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

You'll typically require:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including Maths, Science and English
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths for a T level

Apprenticeships

Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or an Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

You'll typically require:

4/5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
4/5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For an RAF career route to Aircraft Technician:

Age: 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months

You will need GCSE Grade C/4-5 or equivalent, or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grade A – C) in English, Maths and an approved Science/Technology-based subject.

• You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality
• Commit to minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training

Fitness Requirements: You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. 

You'll need to:

• Pass the Airman Selection Test
• Pass a General Fitness Test

For more information on:

• Health requirements
• Background checks
• Disqualifying Factors 

For further information on how to become an Aircraft Technician in the RAF click here or look at this role in the Royal Navy.

Training and Career

For more info, visit: https://www.careersinaerospace.com/

Required Skills

• confident 
• reliable 
• good team player 
• friendly 
• cool under pressure
• organised 

Salary Range

£24,500 to £43,000