Gladiator System Support Engineer

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We have an exciting opening for a Systems Support Engineer to join Boeing Defence UK at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire. We’re looking for a confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills to join the Systems Support Team who are responsible for the on-site operation, maintenance and bespoke evolution of a sophisticated suite of training simulation applications and services tailored specifically for the RAF’s Gladiator programme.

This fast-paced, customer-focused role directly supports delivery of operationally critical team and collective training exercises. You will help ensure geographically distributed air and ground simulation assets interoperate reliably within a single, custom-configured synthetic training environment designed to meet the RAF’s unique requirements. This position is based at RAF Waddington with no option to work remotely.

Your responsibilities will be to:

• Provide daily on-site support for the Gladiator system, working collaboratively with MoD and civilian instructional staff during exercise planning and preparation; clearly communicate system capabilities and limitations to set realistic expectations.
• Initialise systems to the required configuration and maintain operational readiness; proactively monitor performance, rapidly diagnose faults in line with SLAs, and apply hotfixes or workarounds to preserve training outcomes and maximise uptime.
• Deploy configurations and software using established deployment pipelines and source-control tools, following change control and release processes to minimise risk.
• Respond to user issues promptly and professionally, prioritising customer needs and delivering practical, timely solutions that maintain confidence in the system.
• Execute troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, configuration changes and exercise support (including visits and demonstrations) with attention to safety, security and operational impact.
• Analyse system, software and event logs, dump files and console outputs to identify root causes of faults or bugs, escalating and documenting issues transparently when required.
• Complete post‑operation tasks and controlled shutdowns; restore environments to predefined baselines to ensure the capability is ready for the next requirement.
• Liaise constructively with third‑party suppliers and internal Boeing teams (integration, test, development) to resolve faults and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain, review and improve operational processes and technical documentation, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for the team and stakeholders.
• Travel occasionally to remote sites as required, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting operational needs wherever they arise.
• Undertake shift work between 0730 – 1800 with occasional unsociable hours.
• Demonstrate Boeing values and behaviours at all times: act with integrity, take ownership of outcomes, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and adapt positively to changing priorities.

Preferably you will be a self-motivated engineer with practical experience or an equivalent qualification and around 1+ years’ experience in a relevant engineering, technical or scientific role. We value demonstrable ability and a commitment to learning as much as formal qualifications — if you don’t hold a degree, tell us about work, apprenticeships, military service, vocational training, or personal projects that show you can do the job.

This position is fully on-site.

Basic Qualifications (Skills/Experience):

• Eligibility for UK SC Security Clearance: Applicants must be able to obtain the necessary clearance.
• Safety and engineering discipline — commitment to working safely at all times and applying sound engineering practices and principles in daily work.
• Security & environment readiness — willingness to work in a military environment and to follow required security procedures.
• Version control awareness — familiar with source control concepts and workflows (e.g., Git); practical use is beneficial but clear evidence of learning or practice is acceptable.
• Networking basics — foundational knowledge of networking, common protocols and routing, or recent training / practical application that demonstrates competency.
• Deployment fundamentals — basic understanding of deploying and managing software on multi component systems, or demonstrable ability to pick up deployment pipelines and change control processes quickly.
• Platform support — experience supporting software and applications on Windows and Server platforms; exposure to Linux (RHEL) or recent hands-on practice and evidence of self-directed learning.
• Practical problem solver — uses analytical thinking to diagnose and resolve issues; willing to learn new techniques and tools as needed.
• Collaborative communicator — explains technical issues clearly to colleagues and stakeholders and works effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications (Skills/Experience):

• Experience with simulation systems, especially HLA and DIS protocols, or demonstrable interest and self-study in these areas.
• Familiarity with synthetic training environments or equivalent large scale integration projects.
• Understanding of military training simulation systems and relevant standards — direct experience is welcome, or ability to learn on the job.

What Boeing Offers You:

• Competitive salary and annual incentive plans.
• Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
• Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options.
• 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year.
• Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Company paid BUPA Medical Plan.
• Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks.
• Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week.
• 6x annual salary life insurance.
• Learning Together Programme to support your on-going personal and career development.
• Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tool and incentives.

Work Authorisation: This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. Boeing will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants. Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of Boeing U.S. based payroll.

Language Requirements: Not Applicable

Education: Not Applicable

Relocation: Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain United Kingdom Security Check.

Visa Sponsorship: Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program: This position is not contingent upon program award.

Shift: Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom)