Royal Navy OR6 Communications Network Maintainer (ZigZag)
JPAN: 2227676
Grade: OR6 – Petty Officer
Location: Portsmouth
Contract: 40 hours per week. The Armed Forces do not pay overtime, but time off in Lieu is available as compensation. 3-year fixed term on Full Mobility
Security clearance: SC
Closing date: 03/08/26 23:55
All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.
Overview
The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.
This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.
ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.
The Forward Support Units (FSUs) are a professional engineering unit, providing enhanced organic support to RN assets deployed globally.
The Role
The primary purpose of the Fleet Support Unit Communications Petty Officer is to deliver defect repair and planned maintenance support for a wide variety of Missile Equipment onboard ships alongside industrial partners as directed by military or civilian line management. Support will be delivered as part of a Fleet Time Support Period (FTSP) or for Un-programmed Work (UPW) such as OPDEF rectification. By its nature UPW may require occasional out-of-hour and weekend work.
Whenever possible, they are to be employed within their preferred geographic area. They will, by prior arrangement, be available for short notice deployment out of their preferred geographic area for short periods (in the order of 2 weeks) with no more than 1 such deployment in any 3-month rolling period unless by mutual agreement.
Key Responsibilities
- To plan, supervise and carryout engineering support to ships utilising personnel as nominated by Line Manager IAW service level agreement.
- To ensure the timely and effective completion of tasks as directed by line management.
- To act as specialist maintainer for LC2, Data Links, Combat Management, 4KMA and SCOT where suitably qualified.
- Supervise subordinate ratings to ensure completion of work schedule in accordance with the FTSP plan.
- Supervise un-programmed work and inspections as required by line manager.
- To ensure all personnel are aware of and adhere to current Health and Safety regulations.
- To ensure all personnel are aware of and adhere to current Quality Management System.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual who demonstrates:
- Be a UK citizen or British Dual National, having lived in the UK for a minimum of five years continuously prior to application.
- Security clearance will be required for this role. Applicants must meet nationality and residency requirements as per Royal Navy recruitment guidelines.
- A Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Electronic Engineering (or relevant experience).
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Commitment to the Royal Navy’s values and mission.
Training
- Royal Navy Initial Militarisation Course
- Equipment Familiarisation Training – HMS Collingwood, Hampshire.
- Workplace Induction and specific accredited training as required.
Salary & benefits
- Salary: £49,482 - £54,486 per year.
- Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available).
- Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.
- Other benefits: Free medical and dental care, childcare benefits, enhanced parental leave packages, and flexible service arrangements.
Application process
- Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
- Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
- Medical Assessment: all candidates must pass a medical screening.
- Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.
Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: NavyPeople-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk.
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