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Communication Infrastructure Engineer
Join the Royal Signals as a Communications Infrastructure Engineer, a specialism within the Communications Engineer role, and build the digital backbone on the information battlefield. Are you ready to provide the essential digital infrastructure that ensures our superiority in information warfare?
Royal Signals
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 36
Qualifications needed
GCSEs or equivalent
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec
Education
Maths GCSE grade 4/C, Scottish National C, or above
English GCSE grade 3/D, Scottish National C, or above
or RQF level 2 equivalents.
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Signals
Royal Signals soldiers and officers provide the Army’s communications. They use radios, networks and information systems to keep units connected, helping information move quickly.
Step into the role of Communications Engineer in the Royal Signals and specialise as a Communications Infrastructure Engineer with a focus on designing, installing, and maintaining fibre optic and cable networks. These networks support critical voice and data communications for exercises and missions around the globe. Your work will form the communications backbone of military operations, ensuring seamless connectivity for our troops and commanders.
Your Role:
Design and Installation: Create and install robust fibre optic and cable networks essential for reliable communication.
Technical Expertise: Build a solid foundation in fibre optic and cable network technology. Ensure the integrity and performance of these networks to support both voice and data communications.
Decision Advantage: Ensure our frontline troops and commanders maintain a communication edge over our enemies through reliable network infrastructure.
Team Collaboration: Work alongside a dedicated team within the Corps, delivering credible and agile communications across the globe.
Why Join Us?
Advanced Technology: Become an expert in the latest fibre optic and cable infrastructure technologies.
Strategic Impact: Using your knowledge of robust fibre optic and cable networks, play a critical role in maintaining our Decision Advantage on the information battlefield.
Skill Development: Gain valuable qualifications in engineering and aerial rigging.
If you are passionate about building and maintaining essential communication networks and want to be at the forefront of military digital infrastructure, join the Royal Signals as a Communications Infrastructure Engineer.
Key responsibilities
Engineer, maintain and repair a range of communications equipment for use on the battlefield
Install, service and repair telecommunications data cable networks, data centres, configure switches, routers, servers
Get continuous personal and professional development, including civilian-accredited transferable qualifications
Learn to drive and operate military vehicles ranging from Land Rovers or HGVs and fully armoured fighting vehicles
Operate as a Royal Signals soldier conducting military tasks wherever UK Armed Forces are deployed
Learn to instruct and pass on your expert skills and knowledge
Get continuous personal and professional development including civilian accredited transferable qualifications
"I WORK AS PART OF A SPECIALISED TRADE GROUP THAT FOCUSES ON DEPLOYING FIBRE OPTIC NETWORKS. WE HAVE A GLOBAL REACH, SETTING UP CRITICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IN DIVERSE LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD."
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
This is the start of your Initial Trade Training (ITT) for 25 weeks, designed to introduce you to the complex designing, building, installation and maintenance of Local Area Networks (LANs). You will be instructed in health and safety at work, as well as electrical and communications principles sufficient to enable you to work with circuit diagrams and use modern test equipment. It also includes training in the correct and safe use of power tools, principles and techniques of LANs and exchange installations whilst adhering to the CIDA regulations and inspection protocols. As part of this training you will complete several internationally and industry-recognised certificates and qualifications, such as PASMA, DAO Level 3, BTEC awards, and CNet CNCI.
Once this course is complete you will be posted to the field army as a Communications Infrastructure Engineer.
You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Find out more about pay and benefits.
Level 3 Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship
CAT C + E Driving Licence
Certified Integrated Infrastructure Technician (CIIT®) (CNet Level 4)
Internationally and industry recognised Pearson BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Certified Integrated Infrastructure Technician
Certified Telecommunications Project Manager (CTPM®) (CNet Level 4)
Internationally and industry recognised Pearson BTEC Level 4 Award in Certified Telecommunications Project Management
CIBT Course (Entry Level):
PASMA Training Course – Mobile Scaffold Tower
Certification - Person In charge of Confined Space (DAO Level 3)
Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) (CNet Level3)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Certified Network Cable Installer (Copper)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Certified Network Cable Installer (Optical Fibre)
DISP Course (Practitioner Level):
Certified Network Infrastructure Technician (CNIT®) (CNet Level 4)
Pearson BTEC Level 4 BTEC Award in Certified Network Infrastructure Technician
DISI Course (Intermediate Level):
Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP®) (CNet Level 5)
BTEC Level 5 Professional Award Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional
You also have the opportunity to work towards an MSc in Infrastructure Design and Management.
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
No week is the same in the Royal Signals, one week you could be conducting a training exercise with Multi-National Forces in America, tackling the Machu Picchu trail in Peru as part of an Adventurous Training Expedition.
Royal Signals are everywhere the British Army are deployed providing essential communications support, as such the breadth of opportunities are limitless.
A typical working week after training in barracks and when not deployed on operations:
Monday: (Late start) Maintenance of Comms equipment ensuring it is ready for deployment. PT.
Tuesday: PT. Continuation training military or trade.
Wednesday: Equipment care and Sports.
Thursday: PT. Personal Development.
Friday: Comms kit check. CO’s PT usually finished by midday.
Rosie
Royal Signals
Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.
Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.
You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.
Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.
Craig D
Movement Controller
Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.
You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.
Greg H
Royal Military Police
Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.
When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.
James M
Infantry
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.
You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.
Rob H
Royal Armoured Corps
Your future starts here
Every Communication Infrastructure Engineer started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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