At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance mission systems for the Voyager project, ensuring operational excellence.
- Company: Join AirTanker, a key player in the UK's defence sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, bonuses, EV scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Experience adventure training and family fun days while building your career.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of military innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Link 16 systems and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mission Systems Specialist
✨Tap into Aerospace Communities
Join aerospace engineering forums and social media groups. These spaces are often buzzing with opportunities, and you'll get to know industry pros who can give insider tips on temporary roles at places like AirTanker.
✨Be Ready for Seasonal Hiring
Keep an eye out for seasonal hiring windows when big projects ramp up. Many companies in aerospace will bring in temporary staff for peak times, so it’s worth checking back regularly for opportunities at places like AirTanker.
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend industry events or job fairs focused on aerospace; these can be great places to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Bring your A-game, and don’t hesitate to mention your interest in temporary positions.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you find temp roles listed on our website, apply directly! It shows you're genuinely interested in the position at AirTanker and makes it easier for their team to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Mission Systems Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in aerospace engineering, make sure to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Include details about your role, the technologies or methodologies used, and the impact of your work. This not only demonstrates your hands-on experience but also your understanding of the field.
Tailor Your CV to Engineering Standards:Your CV should follow industry conventions, so make sure it's structured to showcase your technical skills, like CAD software or simulation tools. Also, include any certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, as these can make a strong impression on AirTanker.
Inject Some Personality into Your Cover Letter:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see why you're excited about this opportunity with AirTanker. Let your personality shine through your cover letter, perhaps by discussing why aerospace engineering fascinates you or sharing a project that ignited your passion. We want to see your motivation and enthusiasm!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills:Aerospace engineering often involves collaboration, so be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills in your written application. Use examples that demonstrate how you've effectively worked with others, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with AirTanker.
How to prepare for a job interview at AirTanker
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given you're aiming for a role in aerospace engineering, make sure you’re clear on key principles relevant to the role. Expect to tackle questions about materials, aerodynamics, and engineering principles. Revisit any projects or concepts you’ve studied, especially those that highlight problem-solving in design processes.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects in Your Portfolio
Even for a temporary role, it's crucial to present any relevant aerospace projects you’ve worked on. We should be ready to discuss the tools you used, the methodology behind your designs, and the specific outcomes. It's your chance to showcase not just your skills but also your passion for engineering.
✨Understand the Temporary Nature of the Role
Since this is a temporary position, we want to be prepared to discuss how we can quickly add value to the team. Be ready to articulate what you can bring to the company during this short-term engagement and show eagerness to learn and adapt quickly within the environment at AirTanker.
✨Prepare for Practical Technical Assessments
Expect potential technical assessments where you might need to solve engineering problems or even design a small project on the spot. We should practice common scenarios that could arise in aerospace to demonstrate our hands-on ability, whether it's through CAD software or analytical thinking.
