Job Description
Full job description
Currently recruiting
Aircraft Building & fixing things Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£26,300+
+ BENEFITS
SALARY IF PROMOTED TO CORPORAL
£40,000
+ BENEFITS
As an Aircraft Technician Weapons, you will be in charge of maintaining and managing weapons and explosives, making sure they’re ready at a moments notice. These include aircraft bombs, smart weapons, missiles, ammunition and individual weapons.
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This role is an Enlisted Aviator role.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
On this page:
Salary and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Apprenticeship information
Career, training & education
Benefits
Application process
Apply for this role
Similar roles
What will you do?
Arm aircraft with bombs, guided weapons, missiles
Take responsibility for the servicing, maintenance and repair of ejection seats, aircraft gun systems and missile launchers
Maintain, care and issue the weapons used by your station
Build and fit smart weapons and decoy flares to the aircraft
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit to minimum 3 years post specialist training
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a Fitness test
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 16 – 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
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre–2017
GCSE 2017 onwards
Scottish National 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
Science or Technology
C
Grade 4
C
find a list of the approved subjects here
Secondary school students are advised to study Physics, either by itself or as part of combined science, if they are interested in a technical trade in the RAF.
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
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that’s recognised in the civilian world, and you’ll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you’ve completed it.
View full details
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
Basic Recruit Training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
12 months
DSAE Cosford
The next step is a specialist training course at Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering Cosford, near Wolverhampton.
Read more
03
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
During your specialist training you will be enrolled on a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
Read more
04
Your first tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first tour you may join a flying squadron at an RAF base where you could be employed on the maintenance and repair of aircraft weapon systems.
Read more
05
Ongoing training
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills, and you will develop as a technician.
Read more
06
Career progression
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (class 1) Technician (AS1 (T)), providing you pass a Trade Ability Test and Basic Trade Training.
Read more
07
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications, experience, and skill-sets that you develop as a specialist Weapon Technician are as highly regarded in the wider world as they are in the RAF.
Read 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
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
2
Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 6
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 6
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.
4
Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 6
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 (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.
5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6
Training
Stage 6 of 6
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
Currently recruiting
Aircraft Building & fixing things Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£26,300+
+ BENEFITS
SALARY IF PROMOTED TO CORPORAL
£40,000
+ BENEFITS
As an Aircraft Technician Weapons, you will be in charge of maintaining and managing weapons and explosives, making sure they’re ready at a moments notice. These include aircraft bombs, smart weapons, missiles, ammunition and individual weapons.
Add to favourites
This role is an Enlisted Aviator role.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
On this page:
Salary and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Apprenticeship information
Career, training & education
Benefits
Application process
Apply for this role
Similar roles
What will you do?
Arm aircraft with bombs, guided weapons, missiles
Take responsibility for the servicing, maintenance and repair of ejection seats, aircraft gun systems and missile launchers
Maintain, care and issue the weapons used by your station
Build and fit smart weapons and decoy flares to the aircraft
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English language, Mathematics and an approved Science/Technology-based subject
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit to minimum 3 years post specialist training
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a Fitness test
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 16 – 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
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre–2017
GCSE 2017 onwards
Scottish National 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
Science or Technology
C
Grade 4
C
find a list of the approved subjects here
Secondary school students are advised to study Physics, either by itself or as part of combined science, if they are interested in a technical trade in the RAF.
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
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that’s recognised in the civilian world, and you’ll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you’ve completed it.
View full details
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
Basic Recruit Training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
12 months
DSAE Cosford
The next step is a specialist training course at Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering Cosford, near Wolverhampton.
Read more
03
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
During your specialist training you will be enrolled on a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
Read more
04
Your first tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first tour you may join a flying squadron at an RAF base where you could be employed on the maintenance and repair of aircraft weapon systems.
Read more
05
Ongoing training
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills, and you will develop as a technician.
Read more
06
Career progression
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (class 1) Technician (AS1 (T)), providing you pass a Trade Ability Test and Basic Trade Training.
Read more
07
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications, experience, and skill-sets that you develop as a specialist Weapon Technician are as highly regarded in the wider world as they are in the RAF.
Read 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
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
2
Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 6
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 6
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.
4
Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 6
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 (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.
5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6
Training
Stage 6 of 6
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Aircraft Technician Weapons position is now open for candidates interested in the Technician Jobs sector. This role in Ab Kettleby offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Technician Jobs is a plus.
