At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain advanced equipment for air defence training exercises.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in innovative air defence solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on military training while working outdoors and travelling.
- Qualifications: Strong problem-solving skills and a team-oriented mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Waddington
Hours: Full-time 37 hours | Permanent | Flexible hours
Anticipated start date: September 2026
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.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong capability and resource‑management skills.
- Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making.
- Team‑oriented mindset and resilience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Basic equipment fault‑finding, troubleshooting, and first‑line repair.
- 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.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- 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.
Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Waddington employer: Draken
Draken is an exceptional employer that prioritises fair reward and recognition, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension contributions and wellbeing programmes. Located at RAF Waddington, our work culture fosters teamwork and resilience, providing employees with unique opportunities for growth and development in a hands-on operational role that directly supports vital air training exercises. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment, making Draken a meaningful and rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Waddington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Draken and its operations. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! As a Connectivity Specialist, you'll likely face practical tests. Brush up on your equipment handling and troubleshooting skills so you can impress during any practical evaluations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining Draken. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Connectivity Specialist (STING) - Field Operative in Waddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Connectivity Specialist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially those related to equipment maintenance and operational support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your problem-solving skills and teamwork experience, and don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for working in a hands-on environment.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves technical equipment, be sure to highlight any relevant technical qualifications or experiences you have. Mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office and any experience with radar or electronic warfare systems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and systems you'll be working with as a Connectivity Specialist. Understand their functions, maintenance requirements, and any common issues that may arise. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss past experiences where you've successfully solved technical problems or managed resources effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your decision-making process and the positive outcomes of your actions.
✨Show Team Spirit
As this role requires a team-oriented mindset, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous positions. Emphasise your ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing situations, especially in a field environment like RAF Waddington.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Draken's operations, future capabilities, and team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your proactive approach to continuous improvement.
