At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain advanced equipment for air defence training exercises.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in innovative military training solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in military readiness while working hands-on with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Technical background and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
The Role
Location: Waddington
Hours: Full-time 37 hours | Permanent | Flexible hours
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
About the Role
As a Connectivity Specialist, you will play a critical part in operating and maintaining Draken equipment embedded within Simulated‑Integrated Air Defence System teams. Working alongside the UK’s exercise control staff at RAF Waddington, you will directly support fast‑jet training and large‑force exercises, helping deliver world‑class operational readiness training in the Northeast of England. This is a hands‑on operational and engineering role involving equipment preparation, maintenance, configuration, transportation, and live operation of threat‑replication emitters and surrogates. Your contribution will be essential to the safe, effective delivery of complex air training across UK ranges.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Draken’s primary point of contact for system maintainability and capability delivery.
- Manage equipment status and inventory (including stores responsibilities).
- Maintain emitters, surrogates, and all supporting equipment.
- Conduct site surveys and prepare field locations.
- Travel to operational sites up to twice weekly (within ~70 miles of RAF Waddington).
- Support 2–3 annual detachments for Large Force Employment exercises in the Northeast.
- Set up and operate emitters and surrogates during exercises.
- Undertake Fire Marshal, First Aider, and Spill Responder duties (training provided).
- Ensure safe SHE practices during field operations.
- Test and support capability enhancements in line with Draken’s strategic roadmap.
- Contribute to the development of future capability and service offerings.
- Coordinate leave with colleagues to maintain service continuity during major exercises (2–3 per year), including supporting night‑flying periods (~2–3 weeks annually).
- Work confidently within an RAF base environment.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and capability growth.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong capability and resource‑management skills.
- Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making.
- Team‑oriented mindset and resilience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to undertake manual handling and operate equipment.
- Full driving licence (category TBC).
- Ability to obtain SC clearance.
- Willingness to work outdoors and travel regularly (2 times per week).
- Flexibility for early starts and management of flexitime.
- Availability to support key exercise periods.
- Engineering foundation or technical background.
- Experience with radar or electronic warfare systems.
- Communications, networking, signals, connectivity, or C2 experience.
- Flight test and evaluation support skills.
- Industry networking and opportunity‑development experience.
- Operational experience with tactical datalinks (operator or maintainer).
- Defence test & evaluation exposure.
- UAV/RPAS ground control system experience.
- Qualifications in electrical equipment maintenance (training available through Draken).
Our employee values Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
About Us
Whether it is adversarial support, electronic attack or customised rotary‑wing training, we offer the most accurate and advanced readiness training in the industry. Our vast, differentiated fleet, cutting edge hardware and experienced instructors are engaged to help your mission take off. Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Contact Detail:
Draken Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Draken on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills related to connectivity and radar systems. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of a Connectivity Specialist. We love hearing about your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Draken team.
We think you need these skills to ace Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Connectivity Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience with radar, electronic warfare systems, or any hands-on operational roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since this role is all about working alongside others, don’t forget to mention your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated in past roles, especially in high-pressure environments. We love a team-oriented mindset!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity and want to understand your qualifications without sifting through fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Draken team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to radar, electronic warfare systems, and connectivity. Familiarise yourself with Draken's equipment and how it operates within the Simulated-Integrated Air Defence System. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the intricacies involved.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those involving equipment maintenance or operational issues. Being a Connectivity Specialist means you'll need to think on your feet, so demonstrating your problem-solving abilities will be key during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your hands-on experience and ability to operate equipment in the field. Think about scenarios where you've had to prepare, maintain, or operate technical equipment, and be ready to discuss these experiences in detail.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
This role requires a team-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt to changing situations. Be prepared to talk about your experiences working in teams, especially in high-pressure environments, and how you manage your time and responsibilities when supporting major exercises.