At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our elite team flying the L-159 and redefine air combat training.
- Company: Draken, a mission-driven company committed to your growth and success.
- Benefits: Relocation support, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in air combat training while enjoying scenic adventures.
- Qualifications: Military fast-jet experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Draken offer exciting careers that matter. We believe that mission success does not start with the mission itself. It begins with our people. That’s why we invest in you—your skills, your growth, and your future. At Draken, we are redefining air combat training—and we’re looking for exceptional fast-jet pilots to join our elite Red Air Aggressor team flying the formidable Aero L-159 ‘Honey Badger’. This is more than a job. It’s a career that matters.
Your Next Chapter Starts at Teesside
Based at Teesside International Airport, you’ll operate in one of the UK’s most scenic regions, with the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales just moments away—perfect for those who value adventure both in and out of the cockpit. Relocation support is available, and our Draken Managed Path programme helps pilots navigate the UK CAA licensing process with ease.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking experienced fast-jet pilots with a strong military background and a passion for excellence. You’ll bring:
- Proven airborne leadership and operational decision-making
- A sharp focus on safety, compliance, and mission delivery
- Adaptability in dynamic environments
- Clear, confident communication with internal and external stakeholders
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Military fast-jet experience (ideally within last 6 years)
- NATO Secret clearance, or ability to obtain this
- Valid UK CPL(A) or ATPL(A) (or ICAO-compliant equivalent)
- UK CAA Class 1 medical (or ICAO-compliant equivalent)
- AUPRT course completed
Desirable
- 1000+ hours on fast jets
- Qualified Weapons Instructor or Flying Instructor
- Experience with radar-equipped, single-seat platforms
- MCC course
Operational Knowledge
- Deep understanding of customer mission requirements
- Experience in military/government aviation
- Civil aviation experience – Desirable
- Competence with Microsoft Office tools – Desirable
Why Draken?
- Fly cutting-edge platforms in a high-impact role
- Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of air combat training
- Enjoy a supportive, professional environment with career development opportunities
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. To us, diversity means bringing your own perspective to the conversation; inclusion means having a voice - and equality means that your voice is heard.
At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. Intolerance has no place in our Company. We condemn it outright. Instead, we strive to create a culture where each person who joins our team feels they have the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to work within an environment where they can be themselves.
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 meet 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.
L-159 Captain in England employer: Draken Europe
Draken Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bournemouth where innovation meets dedication in the defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive benefits and competitive salaries, ensuring our team members are well-supported in their roles. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your expertise and fosters meaningful contributions to cutting-edge aerospace and electronic warfare projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land L-159 Captain in England
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Draken Europe for a L-159 Captain. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace L-159 Captain in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Draken Europe, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Draken Europe, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Draken Europe.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Draken Europe. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Draken Europe love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
