Engineering FAQs

What qualifications do I need for engineering roles?

To apply for and Engineer Officer role you need to:

• Be aged between 21 and 47.
• Have a Bachelors or Masters degree in a subject relevant to the role you are applying for (i.e. Aeronautical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science etc).
• Have a GCSE at grade C/4-5 or above; or SNE equivalent grade 5 or above in English Language.
• Be a UK, UK/Dual Nationality or Republic of Ireland citizen or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
• Whether or not you were born in the UK, you should have resided there for the 5 years preceding your application, however candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Do engineers need to be physically fit?

Yes, every person in the RAF is required to maintain a level of fitness in order to do their role well.

Fitness is a key part of RAF life – with all the clubs and sports you can get involved with on a wide variety of levels, from occasional fun to Olympic competition. 

Pre-joining fitness tests - find out more

How long is the application process?

As an Engineer Officer we aim to have all applications successfully completed within six months. This is subject to the availability of your specific training courses but be assured that we will aim to work around your specific needs.

Where will I be based?

We have Engineering bases all over the UK and abroad. Where you will be exactly is dependent on your role and what each base currently requires. Speak with your local AFCO for more information.

A Modern Force: The RAF recognises the value of a person’s ability no matter their ethnicity, social background, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status/civil partnership.