SO1 ENGINEERING LONDON

A vacancy has arisen for a Wing Commander (RAF Eng (AS)) to serve as MODSAP, SO1 Engineering, Aerosystems, at Cromwell House, London, on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of being not before 01 September 2026 (or later, subject to candidate status).

Brief description of role:

• Assurance of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (UK & KSA) for In-Service Tornado support activities iaw the contractual requirements of the Saudi British Defence Cooperation Programme.
• Senior Engineer for the provision of Continuing Airworthiness advice in support of the Tornado programme.
• Provide engineering assurance of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia (UK & KSA) airworthiness and maintenance advice and associated support activity for the safe operation of the Tornado.
• Provision of In-Service Tornado experience to the RSAF, BAE Systems and other MODSAP personnel; liaising with German Air Force and Italian Air Force as required.
• Act as the focal point for all platform engineering specialisations, including Aircraft Assisted Escape Systems, Ground Support Equipment.
• In-Service Support; arranging, chairing, supporting and developing meetings and workshops.
• Providing specialist inputs to Statements of Requirement and Statements of Work for Letters of Agreement or in support of Costed Proposals.
• Providing specialist engineering advice and co-ordinating the assurance of RSAF Tornado Release to Service within MODSAP; including liaising with the Independent Safety Advisor.
• The line management and tasking of an OF 3 and SNCO.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Wing Commander – RAF Eng (AS). 

• FKSE DE

• Previously held LOAA and/or airworthiness delegations
• Forward or Depth aircraft maintenance experience.
• CEng or IEng.

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports and other evidence as appropriate.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Group Captain Chris Ball

Tel:  +44 303 372 2174, or +966 (0)504 260 693

Email: chris.ball142@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications should as a minimum, comprise of a maximum 2-page CV, and copies of last 4 appraisal reports (as required). Where candidates have been out of military service and / or have additional civilian SQEP relevant for the role, they should include evidence including qualifications, references, civilian appraisals as deemed appropriate, for use by the Selection Board, and should be sent to:

Group Captain Chris Ball

Tel: +44 303 372 2174, or +966 (0)504 260 693

Email: chris.ball142@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026 and interviews will take place week commencing 06 July 2026.

Unless already commissioned in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of up to 31-JAN-2030.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis. 

Candidates must be attested before their 61st birthday. However, suitably qualified personnel may be considered but a waiver must be sought from SO1 Res Spt prior to interview.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. The post is non deployable, non-safety critical, does not involve operational support activity and is sedentary in nature. IBN 94/24 applies.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391.

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC/HC)/ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB.