F35 Lightning || Simulator Operator

Job Description

Job Title: F35 Lightening I I Simulator Operator

Location: RAF Marham-Onsite 5 days per week

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Up to £90,000 Dependent of experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

Joining BAE Systems as an F-35 Lightning II Simulator Operator offers the opportunity to become part of a highly skilled and collaborative team within the state-of-the-art Integrated Training Centre (ITC). The team is responsible for delivering high-quality synthetic and academic training to all UK F-35 Lightning II pilots, working collectively to maintain the highest standards of instruction and operational readiness

Core duties:

• Deliver exceptional training support to F-35B Lightning squadron pilots, consistently upholding the highest standards of instructional excellence
• Provide expert Instructor Operator Station (IOS) console support for Lightning Operational Conversion Unit and Frontline Squadron simulator sorties, ensuring realistic and effective training outcomes
• Maintain deep, current expertise in frontline Lightning tactics and doctrine, directly informing training realism and operational relevance
• Serve as primary or secondary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for allocated technical systems, as directed by the ITC Instructional Lead, including ownership and continual refinement of associated lecture material
• Deliver high-fidelity, pilot-specific synthetic training on the Full Mission Simulator and Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer in accordance with UK syllabi, both at the UK training centre and during deployed operations
• Provide authoritative technical and training advice on synthetic devices, shaping the evolution of UK-sovereign training syllabi, mission scenarios, and tactics for the Lightning weapon system

Essential Skills:

• Military aviation experience for example Military Pilot, WSO/Navigator or Weapons Controller/Airspace Battle Manager/Fighter Controller

The Integrated Training Centre Lightning Pilot Training Team

As part of this team, you will contribute to the development and refinement of the UK sovereign training system, supporting the design of training scenarios, tactics, and mission profiles. The role provides a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, share specialist knowledge, and influence the future of F-35 pilot training within a world-class training environment.

The role offers the opportunity to enter at and progress through numerous levels of training delivery and instructional qualifications based on experience levels and previous qualifications. Progression through the varying levels shown below will expand your instructional scope and qualifications including the award of Qualified Synthetic Flying Instructor (QSFI) for Pilots and advancement onto delivering additional OCU simulator sorties normally delivered by squadron QFI’s (Basic and Advanced QCIP Qualifications).

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 14th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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