AirTanker
Mission Systems Specialist
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Mission Systems Specialist
Application Deadline: 24 July 2026
Department: Engineering (CAMO)
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Brize Norton
Reporting To: Andrew McDonagh
Compensation: £47,952 - £51,588 / year
Description
Please note this is a 2 year FTC
We are seeking a Mission Systems Specialist to provide technical and operational support for the Voyager mission planning system, secure communications capability, and Link 16 systems.
This is a specialist role at the centre of mission systems capability, working closely with operational teams, engineering colleagues, customers, and industry partners. You will act as the subject matter expert for mission systems, ensuring users are trained, supported, and equipped to achieve operational objectives.
Why AirTanker?
AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As Mission Systems Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting and developing the Voyager Mission Planning System, Secure Communications, and Link 16 capabilities. You will act as the organisation's subject matter expert, providing technical leadership, driving system improvements, and supporting operational delivery. Working closely with engineering teams, operational stakeholders, customers, and industry partners, you will help ensure mission-critical systems remain reliable, effective, and ready to meet current and future operational requirements.
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What's in it for you
- Strategic Influence: Help shape future mission systems capability by working directly with industry partners, military stakeholders, and operational users.
- Technical Leadership: Chair specialist working groups and coordinate activities across a wide range of subject matter experts.
- Project Exposure: Lead and support mission systems projects, contributing to capability development and operational improvement initiatives.
- Innovation & Problem Solving: Drive system enhancements, manage obsolescence challenges, and support the introduction of new technologies and capabilities.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more
- Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days
AirTanker supports flexible working to help employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. We recognise the importance of balancing work with personal commitments and are committed to agreeing arrangements that meet both individual and business needs.
What you'll be doing
- Act as the focal point for Voyager Mission Support Systems, secure communications, and Link 16 capability.
- Liaise with the Voyager Force Delivery Team, Thales UK, Airbus Defence & Space, and other stakeholders on system performance, capability development, and future requirements.
- Maintain oversight of Link 16 mission system operations and support activities.
- Monitor fleet system performance, identify trends, and investigate recurring issues.
- Analyse defect and reliability data to improve system availability and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinate technical improvements and enhancements across mission systems capabilities.
- Chair the Mission Systems Working Group, bringing together subject matter experts from across the Voyager consortium.
- Work with network specialists to support configuration management and system development activities.
- Process technical queries and issue technical instructions where required.
- Provide technical support and guidance to line and base maintenance teams.
- Support mission systems projects and act as the engineering lead for mission systems workstreams.
- Promote and support safety, quality, and environmental standards in all activities.
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What you'll bring
- Demonstrable expertise in Link 16, MIDS, and secure communications systems.
- Completion of the RAF Link 16 Foundation Course, or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of cryptographic security materials and equipment management.
- Experience developing, managing, and improving technical procedures.
- Experience creating and delivering training for operational and engineering personnel.
- Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting reliability data and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Understanding of network systems and operational mission environments.
- Project management experience or exposure.
- Knowledge of deployed military operations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
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