UK Ministry of Defence
Specialist Instructional Officer Avionic Systems
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RNAESS, HMS Sultan, Gosport, Hampshire
Job Summary
Deliver academic instruction to military air engineering students on a Foundation Degree (BTEC Higher National equivalent) programme, focusing on the theoretical principles that underpin avionic systems. Subject areas include radar, communications, sensors, digital techniques, control engineering, and other related avionics disciplines. The role includes lesson preparation, delivery, assessment, and learner support, ensuring students develop the knowledge required for future military air engineering appointments.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week; however, the Ministry of Defence offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, can be considered where they can be accommodated by the business, although there may be occasions when a presence on site during standard working hours is required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager.
Job Description
Have you built your career maintaining, operating or supporting military or civilian aircraft communication, radar, surveillance or avionics systems? Would you like to use your specialist knowledge to develop the next generation of Royal Navy aviation engineers while enjoying a stable Monday-to-Friday role with excellent benefits?
Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from both military and civilian aviation backgrounds, including military aviation, airline maintenance, aerospace manufacturing, defence industry, communications engineering, radar engineering, avionics support and aircraft systems integration.
The Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival School (RNAESS) is seeking a Specialist Instructor Officer (Radar, Communications, and Secondary Avionics) to teach and develop training in aircraft communication, navigation, surveillance and avionics systems. The successful candidate will instruct military personnel undertaking career courses leading to either a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education or a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, delivered by the Ministry of Defence and accredited by the University of Portsmouth.
The Role Has a Primary Focus On The Theoretical Principles And Practical Application Of Aircraft Communication, Radar And Secondary Avionics Systems. Instruction Will Be Delivered Across Subjects Including:
- Radar Principles, Operation and Applications
- Airborne Surveillance and Radar Systems
- Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), IFF and Transponder Systems
- Aircraft Communication Principles and Systems
- VHF, UHF, HF and Satellite Communications
- Navigation Aids and Aircraft Navigation Systems
- Data Transmission and Digital Networks
- Aircraft Sensors and Electronic Systems
- Avionic Systems Integration
- Fault Diagnosis and Systems Analysis
As a Specialist Instructor Officer, you will deliver engaging instruction to adult learners studying for promotion and future supervisory engineering appointments within Royal Navy Air Squadrons operating worldwide. Your expertise in communications, radar and secondary avionics systems will directly contribute to the operational effectiveness, mission success and engineering safety of Royal Navy aviation.
A Typical Week
A typical week may include preparing and delivering lessons on avionics principles, facilitating classroom discussions and problem-solving activities, supporting students with their learning, marking assessments, updating training materials, and collaborating with fellow instructors to develop course content. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of training programmes, ensuring course material remains relevant to current aviation engineering practices.
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Previous teaching experience is desirable but not essential. Full instructional training, mentoring and support will be provided for candidates who are new to teaching. A professional Defence Trainer qualification will be provided where required, alongside opportunities to gain recognised civilian teaching qualifications. You will join a supportive instructional team with access to experienced mentors, training managers, and a comprehensive trainee support network.
Teaching is conducted during the normal working week, typically 0800-1630 Monday to Thursday and 0800-1430 Friday, with training programmed for approximately 45 weeks of the year. Unlike many aviation engineering roles, this position offers regular working hours, no shift work, and an excellent work-life balance. This role offers the opportunity to combine technical expertise with the satisfaction of developing the Royal Navy's future aviation engineering leaders.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will deliver high-quality technical instruction to classes of up to 16 students. Teaching duties will account for approximately 60% of the role, with the remainder dedicated to maintaining subject matter expertise, developing training materials, managing course documentation, assessing learners, and supporting course development activities.
Desirable Qualifications And Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have completed a recognised aeronautical engineering apprenticeship, or an equivalent recognised programme of training, and hold a relevant Level 4 qualification (ONC/OND or equivalent).
- Have successfully completed UK Armed Forces Aircraft Engineering training, attained Senior Non-Commissioned Officer rank (or equivalent), and demonstrate a proven track record of aircraft engineering and technical experience.
Essential Skills And Attributes
- Strong knowledge of avionic principles and systems.
- Experience within one or more of the following areas: communications, radar, sensors, digital techniques, control engineering, systems integration, or fault diagnosis.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to adult learners.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to plan, organise and deliver structured training.
- Experience mentoring, coaching or developing personnel.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining current technical knowledge.
Desirable
- Previous instructional, teaching, coaching or assessor experience.
- Defence Trainer qualification or teaching qualification.
- Experience delivering training at Higher Education, Further Education, or military career course level.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual holiday, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service in addition to public holidays.
- Limited special paid leave for approved voluntary opportunities (Conditions apply).
- Training and personal development.
- Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
- Free Parking.
- Use of a gym and swimming pool at competitive rates.
- Onsite nursery facilities.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
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The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
This application will require a CV. Please use this to provide examples of previous experiences that may be relevant.
Candidates will be required to complete a Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words. Please provide experience relevant to the role.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
At Sift, You Will Be Assessed Against:
- CV
- Statement of suitability
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile Behaviours:
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Communicating and Influencing
Candidates will also be required to deliver a presentation. Further information will be provided
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