Airforce Jobs / Government Jobs

CONTROL OFFICER Royal Air Force United Kingdom Full Time

The role of a Control Officer is dynamic, varied, and highly impactful, supporting and directing operations both within the UK and internationally. There are three primary areas of employment:

  • Terminal Air Traffic Control—Providing air traffic control services at airfields.

  • Area Control—Working in partnership with civilian air traffic controllers at the UK’s Air Traffic Control Centre in Swanwick.

  • Weapons Control—Directing fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft, safeguarding the integrity of UK airspace.

 Within each of these roles, you could be

  • Coordinating air traffic to and from military airfields
  • Part of the team that orders Typhoon jets to scramble and intercept suspect aircraft
  • Controlling fighter, surveillance, refuelling, and unmanned aircraft as they support missions at home and overseas
  • Working alongside civilian controllers as an Area Radar Controller, making sure military aircraft operate safely alongside civilian aircraft
  • Giving specialist battle space management support to both the UK and missions around the world
  • Travelling on military operations as a Tactical Air Traffic Controller, setting up temporary runways
Requirements
  • Be aged 17.5–38 years old (must attest before 39th birthday)
  • You will need to meet specific nationality and residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
  • Commit to a minimum of 3 years post-Phase 2 Specialist Training
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a fitness test—details below
Minimum Education Requirement
  • You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents, including Functional Skills) at a minimum of 4/C, including English Language and Mathematics, or Scottish National 5 (Grade A-C) in 5 subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
  • In addition, a minimum of 64 UCAS points must be obtained, which can be accrued from A/AS Levels (or equivalent), T-Levels, or National Diplomas (e.g., BTECs/NVQs).
  • Should you meet the required 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or acceptable equivalents) and not have the minimum 64 UCAS points or a UK degree at 2:2 or higher, please continue to apply. Your approval to continue the recruiting process will be determined following successful passing of the Computer-Based Aptitude Score (CBAT).
  • Alternatively, suppose you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher. In that case, you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or acceptable alternatives) at a minimum of Grade 4/C or Scottish National 5 (Grade A–C) in English Language and Mathematics.
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.
Phase one training

white stopwatch icon for duration 24 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Cranwell

You’ll complete a rigorous course designed to build your physical fitness, leadership, and academic abilities through a series of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

Training Modules:

  • Module 1: Military Skills—Introduction to RAF life

  • Module 2: Development 1—Self-awareness and leadership

  • Module 3: Development 2—Line management and command

  • Module 4: Consolidation—Final assessment and graduation

 

Phase two training
      28/30 weeks
      RAF Shawbury

Phase two begins with the Common Air Operations Seminar (CAOS), conducted alongside Air Operations Systems Officers and Air Traffic & Weapons Control students.

You’ll then specialize in either the Joint Air Traffic Control Course (JATCC) or the Weapons Foundation Controller Course (WFCC).

  • JATCC is held at RAF Shawbury, with Aeros training lasting 15 weeks and Radar training lasting 29 weeks.

  • WFCC runs for 30 weeks—14 weeks at RAF Shawbury and 16 weeks at RAF Boulmer.

Later in your career, you may have the opportunity to complete a conversion course to qualify in other core areas.

First tour

Time period: 24-36 months

 Location: As assigned

You will then consolidate your specialist training and develop postgraduate skills, allowing you to achieve ‘Combat Ready’ status and become available to deploy on military operations anywhere in the world

Continued Development

Time period: Ongoing
Location: As assigned

As your career progresses, you may serve as ‘Mission Crew’ on the E-7 Wedgetail at RAF Lossiemouth, deploy ahead of main forces to establish landing zones, or instruct new and advanced students.

You may also be selected for senior leadership roles, managing large teams of officers and airmen. Operational deployments—typically up to six months—are common and may include postings to locations such as Cyprus, Lithuania, Gibraltar, Canada, Spain, the UAE, Malaysia, and the U.S.

The RAF also offers international exchange opportunities, including roles with the US Marine Corps in Arizona, the US Air Force Space Command in Colorado, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Foundation Degree
ongoing education
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£33,100+
+ Benefits
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£50,500+
+ Benefits

Job Overview

  • Date Posted:
  • Expiration date: June 30, 2025
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Job Title: CONTROL OFFICER Royal Air Force United Kingdom
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