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Communications Engineer
Are you ready for a challenging and rewarding career as a Communications Engineer? As part of the Royal Signals, you’ll work at the forefront of modern military communications, engineering the systems and networks that keep the UK Armed Forces connected, informed, and ahead of the adversary. Fight and win the information battle with the Royal Signals.
Starting salary
ÂŁ26,334
Age range
16.6 to 35.11
Role details
Age
To apply for this position, you must be between 16 years & 6 months old and 35 years & 11 months old at the time of your application.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec
Education
GCSE grade 4/C, Scottish National 5 grade C, or above in Maths or ICT, and
GCSE level 3/D, Scottish National 4, or above in English,
or RQF level 2 equivalents.Â
Security Clearance Required:
CTC (Counter Terrorist Check)
SC (Security Check) at Phase 1 Training
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
A Future Built on Innovation and Expertise
Joining the Royal Signals as a Communications Engineer offers more than just a job; it’s a career with purpose, challenge, and unparalleled growth. Whether you’re safeguarding our communications, managing vital data systems, or building the infrastructure that underpins military operations, you’ll be part of an elite technical Corps fighting and winning the information battle.
The Communications Engineer role is divided into three exciting specialisations:
Network Engineer: Build and maintain the networks that enable secure communication across the globe.
Information Services Engineer: Manage and protect critical data systems and information technology.
Communications Infrastructure Engineer: Design, install, and maintain the physical and digital infrastructure that supports military communications.
Why Join as a Communications Engineer?
Diverse Career Pathways: Beyond your core role, qualifying as a Communications Engineer opens doors to incredible opportunities. You could take part in prestigious ceremonial duties, serve with the elite Air Assault Signals or Special Forces, specialise in Cyber Defence or Special Communications, and operate in some of the most challenging and dynamic environments worldwide.
Continued Professional Development: Earn while you learn with world-class apprenticeships. Work towards industry-recognised qualifications in networking, information systems, and infrastructure engineering that are highly valued in both military and private sectors.
Technical Excellence: From configuring cutting-edge systems to maintaining global communications, you’ll master a broad range of technologies to keep our forces operational in any environment.
Global Opportunities: Serve as a Royal Signals soldier, supporting operations in diverse and dynamic environments wherever the UK Armed Forces are deployed.
Leadership Development: Build your skills as a leader, mentoring and guiding others as you progress in your career.
Take the First Step
Choose your specialisation: Network Engineer, Information Services Engineer, or Communications Infrastructure Engineer and begin a journey towards advanced qualifications, leadership, and a career that makes a difference. Apply now to join the Royal Signals as a Communications Engineer.
Key Responsibilities
Depending on your specialisation, you could:
Engineer and maintain secure networks, including switches, routers, and servers.
Install and manage critical IT systems, ensuring seamless information sharing.
Plan and deploy robust communication infrastructure, including fibre optics and satellite systems.
Protect networks and information systems, integrating cybersecurity into every operation.
Work alongside military units, international allies, and industry partners to achieve Decision Advantage on the battlefield.
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 a 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 technical training designed to introduce basic signalling and communication skills while building on your existing military skills. You will be taught basic principles and skills, such as siting, operating and talking on military radios, radio logs, map marking, working at heights, health and safety, and of course security. As your career progresses you learn how to build and configure networks, manage system problems as well as gain an understanding of field generators and security, including cyber.
You'll earn ÂŁ26,334 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.
Driving licences: B+E
Level 4 Network Engineer Apprenticeship
Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths, English and IT
Level 4 Certified Network Infrastructure Technician
Level 5 Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional
Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Apprenticeships: Level 4 Team Leading, Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring, and Level 6 Leadership and Management
Professional Registration with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) at ICT Tech, IEng and CEng levels
Professional Registration with the British Computer Society (BCS) at RIT Tech and CITP levels
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (Communications Management)
Through life learning opportunities and education up to Masters Degree level