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Job Description

We’re building a talent pool for Basic Flying Training (BFT) Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) and Qualified Instructors (QIs) at RAF Valley, ensuring we have the right people ready to step into key roles as they become available.

Why Join the Talent Pool? RAF Valley is home to fast-paced, high-impact flying training. By joining our talent pool, you’ll be first in line when opportunities arise to deliver world-class instruction in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

How It Works:

• Apply and Interview: If successful, you’ll be added to our talent pool for up to 12 months.
• Stay Notified: As roles open, we’ll contact you based on your availability and our operational needs.
• Confirm Your Interest: You’ll have the opportunity to express interest before any formal offer is made.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experienced pilots with a passion for developing military aviators of the future.
• Aircrew who thrive in structured, high-tempo training environments.
• Professionals committed to safety, precision, and instructional excellence.

Ready to shape the future of military aviation at Valley? Apply now to be considered for upcoming instructor roles and help us maintain the highest standards in flying training.

A day in the life

As a Qualified Instructor on the Basic Flying Training (BFT) Squadron at RAF Valley you will part of a small niche team delivering world class Ground School and Synthetic training to Military and Ascent aircrew on the Texan T1.

You will

• Conduct ground based instruction of military BFT Student Qualified Flying Instructors (SQFIs), ab-initio pilots in accordance with BFT syllabuses. The syllabus ranges from conversion, instrument, navigation, weapon profiles, tactical and more advanced evolutions.
• You will also assist in currency training for existing QFIs.
• Conduct Computer Based Training/Computer Aided Instruction/Simulator training, including ground school lessons and simulated airborne events in accordance with BFT syllabuses
• Conduct other tasks related to Texan T1 training as directed
• Assist Curriculum Design as Texan T1 Subject Matter Expert (SME) in development and maintenance of BFT courseware
• Have the opportunity to take part in innovation work for the future of UK MFTS

What will make you successful?

You will have previous experience as a Qualified Flying Instructor pilot in the military environment. Qualifications and/or recommendations from the RAF Central Flying School will be essential.

Previous experience in a ‘Basic Flying Training’ role on a turbo-prop airframe would be extremely advantageous and experience in a synthetic training device would be beneficial but not necessarily essential.

Above all else you will thrive when instructing students and helping them to strive for success.

You should already be an excellent communicator and you will be accustomed to working with different levels of ability so that you can nurture the full spectrum of students. You will be working in an environment which is heavily customer focused, ensuring the company provides a first class service at all times.

And you will also:

• Have experience of multi-facetted flying disciplines, combining leadership and airmanship to provide a positive learning environment.
• Be able to demonstrate experience of working in collaboration with other teams.
• Have strong presentational skills, targeting a wide audience of varying abilities.
• Be able to develop and update courseware with emerging ‘best practise’ and updates as required.
• Fully engage with the RAF Safety Culture.

Job Description

A We’re building a talent pool for Basic Flying Training (BFT) Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) and Qualified Instructors (QIs) at RAF Valley, ensuring we have the right people ready to step into key roles as they become available.

Why Join the Talent Pool? RAF Valley is home to fast-paced, high-impact flying training. By joining our talent pool, you’ll be first in line when opportunities arise to deliver world-class instruction in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

How It Works:

• Apply and Interview: If successful, you’ll be added to our talent pool for up to 12 months.
• Stay Notified: As roles open, we’ll contact you based on your availability and our operational needs.
• Confirm Your Interest: You’ll have the opportunity to express interest before any formal offer is made.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experienced pilots with a passion for developing military aviators of the future.
• Aircrew who thrive in structured, high-tempo training environments.
• Professionals committed to safety, precision, and instructional excellence.

Ready to shape the future of military aviation at Valley? Apply now to be considered for upcoming instructor roles and help us maintain the highest standards in flying training.

A Little bit about us

Ascent Flight Training is an established, yet growing aerospace and training company which operates across the UK, delivering flying training services to the UK Government.

We want to attract and work with innovative, adaptable and proactive people to help us achieve One Mission as One Team.

We offer the opportunity to work in a professional, dynamic and diverse environment within our Training Support Hub and on our operations sites.

You will bring proficiency and experience to an environment where your contribution is valued.u

A day in the life of an Ascent BFT QFI

As a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Basic Flying Training (BFT) Squadron at RAF Valley you will part of a small niche team delivering world class flying training to Military and Ascent aircrew on the Texan TMk1.

You will

  Instruct relevant aspects of the BFT syllabus to high instructional standards.

·       The majority of the role focuses on delivering airborne instruction but it may also include the delivery of phase briefs, technical lessons, practical demonstrations and synthetic events.

  Conduct other tasks related to Texan TMk1 training as directed.

  Assist Curriculum Design as Texan TMk1 Subject Matter Expert (SME) in development and maintenance of BFT courseware.

  Have the opportunity to take part in innovation work for the future of UK MFTS.

What will make you successful?

You will have previous experience as a Qualified Flying Instructor pilot in the military environment. Qualifications and/or recommendations from the RAF Central Flying School will be essential.

Previous experience in a ‘Basic Flying Training’ role on a turbo-prop airframe would be extremely advantageous.

Above all else you will thrive when instructing students and helping them to strive for success.

You should already be an excellent communicator and you will be accustomed to working with different levels of ability so that you can nurture the full spectrum of students. You will be working in an environment which is heavily customer focused, ensuring the company provides a first class service at all times.

And you will also:

• Have experience of multi-facetted flying disciplines, combining leadership and airmanship to provide a positive learning environment.
• Be able to demonstrate experience of working in collaboration with other teams.
• Have strong presentational skills, targeting a wide audience of varying abilities.
• Be able to develop and update courseware with emerging ‘best practise’ and updates as required.
• Fully engage with the RAF Safety Culture.

What can we offer in return

·       Equivalent to 25 days leave annual leave  

·       Private Health Care

·       Flexible benefits

·       Enhanced family friendly benefits

·       Competitive salary

·       Pension plan

·       Secure onsite employee parking  

Job Description

A day in the life of an Ascent QHI

As a QHI you will be a part of a dedicated cadre of Instructors with a CFS accredited B1 (or higher) instructional category and work with our military partners to prepare military trainees for the front line. You will use state of the art synthetic training devices and fly the latest generation of the Airbus H135 and H145 as part of your daily routine. If you wish to be a part of this fulfilling, interesting and challenging task please read on to find out more details of this exciting role.

You will:

• Conduct ground theory lessons in the form of mass briefings.
• Instruct basic and advanced techniques using various cutting edge synthetic devices.
• Instruct on one of the courses of increasing complexity. These range from the ab-initio course that teaches basic flying techniques to the specific tactical courses of each 3 services.
• Where required support crewman courses by flying the aircraft for their specific syllabus sorties.
• Supervise flying and be a part of the ‘Just’ flight safety culture at RAF Shawbury.
• Drive continuous improvement in courseware and all other aspects of your working environment.

What will make you successful?

You will already be qualified as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) from your previous employment in the UK military, or have a CFS(H) recommend for the QHI cse.  You will deliver the highest standard of instruction using the latest synthetic and aircraft technology to develop the next generation of service pilot. In doing so you will have the opportunity to hone and progress your instructional skills in order to upgrade where appropriate or consolidate your instructional category on the new aircraft type. You will thrive amongst our QHI cadre and build a good relationship with our military partners to ensure the trainees benefit from a smooth transition through each course.

You will thoroughly enjoy being back in a Squadron environment, and being part of a team where your hard work can be seen in the progression of the trainees as you will be preparing them at such an early stage of their career. You will know the importance of being able to work successfully in situations that can often be pressured.

And you will also:

• Have a civilian Class 1 medical or military Annual Medical.
• Be able to demonstrate your instructional pedigree and experience.
• Have strong communication skills, be able to build relationships to work in collaboration with teams across the organisation.
• Have strong presentation skills, targeting a wide audience from customers to internal stakeholders.
• Be able to demonstrate courage and the ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Be responsible for continuous development and creation of courseware.

Salary Information: Fully Qualified Salary is £87,852. Training Salary is £72,204

Job Description

A day in the life of a Maritime Helicopter Instructor

As one of our team of Maritime Helicopter Instructors you will be part of an experienced, hardworking and dedicated team operating in a challenging maritime environment where no day is the same. Your diverse role will require a wide range of skills.

You will build relationships with our trainees and stakeholders across all areas of the business, customer and supplier organisations to ensure the efficient delivery of airborne and synthetic Rotary Wing Training as part of the UK Military Flying Training System. Your opinion will be valued as we develop our courses to meet the customer’s requirements.

If you are interested in joining our exceptional team, keep reading to find out more details on this exciting role.

You will:

• Teach all aspects of the Rotary Wing Maritime (Winching) Syllabus, by delivering phase briefs, technical lessons, practical demonstrations using state of the art synthetic equipment and airborne sorties.
• Assess trainees by ensuring that syllabus sorties are graded, sortie report forms and end of course documentation is completed.
• Assist in a process of continuous development to create new lessons while maintaining and improving those already established.
• Assist the Chief Maritime Instructor with any other tasks to support Ascent business continuity and resilience.
• Embrace Ascent’s One Team ethos and Total Safety culture.

What will make you successful?

You will already have experience in the Military Rotary Wing environment. You will thrive when working with our trainees, stakeholders and customers across all levels, coupled with your ability to truly understand our trainees. You will have a passion for delivering a world class military flying training system to achieve one mission, as one team. 

You will be excited by working in an environment where efficient solutions are the answer, being able to navigate both yourself and stakeholders to a positive solution. You will know the importance of being able to work successfully in situations that can often be pressured, where your initiative and flexibility will be recognised.

 You will also:

• Hold medical fitness to conduct the role, either Civilian Class 1 or Military PME and achieve Underwater Escape Training certification
• Have a minimum of 1000 hours Rotary Wing flying experience
• Have experience of flying in a Maritime environment
• Be competent in the use of computer programmes such as Windows, Microsoft Office Suite and Explore.

It would be great, however not essential, if you:

• Hold a recognised instructional category as a current/former military QHI or equivalent
• Have some experience of ab-initio training
• Have some experience as a Helicopter Captain in the Maritime environment
• Have some experience of Rotary Wing synthetic training.

Salary Information: Fully Qualified Salary is £91,577. Training Salary is £78,212

Job Description

Qualified Mission Aircrew Instructor, Weapon Systems Officer (QMAI WSO)

As a Qualified Mission Aircrew Instructor, Weapon Systems Officer (QMAI WSO) you will be joining Ascent at a very exciting time as we progress the implementation of the Future ISTAR Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS).

Initially you will be seconded to the Development and Test Team (DTT) where you will use your specialist knowledge to develop advanced courseware, bespoke training solutions utilising advanced training equipment and high-fidelity mission simulator exercises.

During this period, you will build relationships with stakeholders in FIRCTS including the existing cadre of pilots and instructors at 750 Naval Air Squadron (750NAS) at RNAS Culdrose and similarly with 45 Squadron and Ascent colleagues at RAF Cranwell.

You will be a key part of the implementation of and transition to FIRCTS; using your knowledge of and qualification on the new mission system and sensors to convert the existing team to the new aircraft, ground-based training equipment (GBTE) and courseware.

Following the transition, you will become a member of the FIRCTS instructor cadre and training ab initio trainees at 750 NAS, RNAS Culdrose. When you will  deliver high quality synthetic and classroom instruction and act as a professional mentor to trainees, enabling them to achieve the required standard in the specialism they are pursuing, within optimum timescales. Also contribute to the continuous improvement of the overall training service, and work with Ascent colleagues on wider business development initiatives as required.

You will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of working routines whilst in TDT and the DTT including, travel to sites, working from home and regular contact with 750 NAS and 45 Sqn. With a broad range of work developing and testing courseware, Instructor and trainee guides and getting to know and fully understand the new equipment and training system.

If you are interested in joining our exceptional team, keep reading to find out more details on this exciting role.

You will:

·         Initially become a member of the Training Design Team.

·         Form the leading edge of the technical advice to the DTT

·         Work in partnership with our customer, Aircrew Training Specialists and our Media and Courseware team and other stakeholders to ensure that the FIRCTS programme is successful.

·         Be part of a team that will lead the implementation and conversion to the new system.

·         Become part of the mission aircrew training team based at Culdrose, as an air instructor, offering a diverse set of specialist courses.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

·         Previous experience as Combat Ready Mission Aircrew.

·         Previous military experience as a Qualified Weapon Systems Officer – (WSO) Instructor or equivalent, with Central Flying School B1 Category or higher.

Job Description

As a Qualified Mission Aircrew Instructor – Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (QMAI ISR) you will be joining Ascent at a very exciting time as we progress the implementation of the Future ISTAR Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS).

Initially you will be seconded to the Development and Test Team (DTT) where you will use your specialist knowledge to develop advanced courseware, bespoke training solutions utilising advanced training equipment and high-fidelity mission simulator exercises.

During this period, you will build relationships with stakeholders in FIRCTS including the existing cadre of pilots and instructors at 750 Naval Air Squadron (750NAS) at RNAS Culdrose and similarly with 45 Squadron and Ascent colleagues at RAF Cranwell.

You will be a key part of the implementation of and transition to FIRCTS; using your knowledge of and qualification on the new mission system and sensors to convert the existing team to the new aircraft, ground-based training equipment (GBTE) and courseware.

Following the transition, you will become a member of the FIRCTS instructor cadre and training ab initio trainees at 750 NAS, RNAS Culdrose. When you will  deliver high quality synthetic and classroom instruction and act as a professional mentor to trainees, enabling them to achieve the required standard in the specialism they are pursuing, within optimum timescales. Also contribute to the continuous improvement of the overall training service, and work with Ascent colleagues on wider business development initiatives as required.

You will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of working routines whilst in TDT and the DTT including, travel to sites, working from home and regular contact with 750 NAS and 45 Sqn. With a broad range of work developing and testing courseware, Instructor and trainee guides and getting to know and fully understand the new equipment and training system.

If you are interested in joining our exceptional team, keep reading to find out more details on this exciting role.

 You will:

·         Initially become a member of the Training Design Team.

·         Form the leading edge of the technical advice to the DTT

·         Work in partnership with our customer, Aircrew Training Specialists and our Media and Courseware team and other stakeholders to ensure that the FIRCTS programme is successful.

·         Be part of a team that will lead the implementation and conversion to the new system.

 ·        Become part of the mission aircrew training team based at Culdrose, as an air instructor, offering a diverse set of specialist courses.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

·         Previous experience as Combat Ready Mission Aircrew.

·         Previous military experience as ISR Mission Aircrew Instructor or equivalent, with Central Flying School B1 Category or higher.

Job Description

This role is offered on a part-time basis, for a minimum of 3 days per week.

About Ascent Flight Training

Ascent Flight Training is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Babcock International, responsible for delivering the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS).  We train the next generation of Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army pilots, using advanced aircraft, simulators, and training systems.

Role Purpose:

Design and deliver robust, scalable data systems and infrastructure that power the organisation’s analytics, AI, and decision-making capabilities.

By enabling governed data integration, transformation, and storage, this role ensures teams across the business have timely access to trusted, high-quality data, to unlock strategic insights, drive efficiency and support business growth.

The role will support strategic programmes by engineering trusted, governed data foundations that enable performance dashboards, predictive analytics, end-to-end training insight, and integration between Ascent data services, supplier-developed solutions and customer requirements.

Accountabilities:

Data Pipeline & Model Development: Design, implement, and maintain a data foundation for business analytics.  Implement workflows to ingest data from diverse sources, transform it for analytical use, and load it into data warehouses, data lakes, or marts.  For strategic programmes, support ongoing data capture, outcome tracking and repeatable analytical datasets that enable evidence-led decision-making.

Data Engine & Dashboard Integration: Configure, maintain and optimise Ascent data-engine capabilities to import, transform, validate and export data in agreed formats, enabling integration with internal and supplier-developed dashboards, analytical tools and programme reporting outputs.

Performance Monitoring & Optimisation: Continuously monitor data infrastructure, pipelines, and data models to identify bottlenecks and optimise performance, scalability, and reliability of data solutions.

Data Governance & Quality Assurance:  Ensure robust data governance practices are in place, including data lineage, metadata management, and adherence to data privacy and compliance standards.

Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging data engineering tools, cloud platforms, and best practices. Proactively identify opportunities to improve data workflows, reduce latency, and enhance the overall efficiency of data operations.

Stakeholder Collaboration:  Partner with cross-functional teams, including data analysts, business stakeholders, and ICT to understand data requirements, communicate solutions clearly, and ensure alignment to business objectives.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience Required:

SQL and Database Management: 

Essential experience required:  Advanced expertise in SQL for querying, transforming, and managing data in relational databases. Skilled in database design, performance optimisation, and maintaining data integrity across new and existing database solutions.  Knowledge of SSIS.

Data Warehouse Concepts:

Essential experience required: Knowledge and understanding of data warehousing principles and methodologies e.g. Kimball. Including dimensional modelling, star and snowflake schemas, incremental extracts and data integration techniques.

Desirable experience:  Knowledge of data warehousing tools and technologies such as Snowflake, Databricks, Azure Synapse.

Programming and Scripting:
Essential experience required:  Knowledge and understanding of programming languages such as Python, Spark, DAX, C# or Java for data manipulation, transformation, and automation tasks.  Azure Dev Ops / Git Hub / Visual Studio for code repositories, change management.

Desirable experience: Knowledge of scripting languages like PowerShell for process automation.  

Data Governance, Security/Privacy & Ethics:
Essential experience required: Strong understanding of data governance principles, data security, privacy regulations (including GDPR), and ethical data practices. Experienced in implementing access controls, encryption, and ensuring compliance with data protection standards.

ETL (Extract, Transform, Load):
Essential experience required: Practical experience designing and implementing ETL processes to ensure reliable, accurate data for analysis. Skilled in extracting data from diverse sources, transforming it for usability, and loading it into data warehouses or marts. Proficient with data pipeline tools such as SSIS and Azure Data Factory.

Appreciation of AI methodologies:

Essential experience required: Understanding of how engineered datasets support predictive modelling, statistical analysis, machine learning and dashboard-based decision support. Able to work with analysts, data scientists and suppliers to prepare governed, validated datasets for model development, testing, deployment and monitoring.

Desirable experience:  Knowledge and understanding of Data Science applications such as Machine Learning and Large Language Models.  Experience of working in an environment that utilised these methodologies. Familiarisation with AI models to assist workload, e.g. CoPilot.

This is a permanent, part-time role, working 3-4 days per week, and provides a hybrid working pattern with 2 days in the office.

This role requires the successful candidate to obtain Security Clearance Check (SC).

We’re proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality and work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements for all roles, including part-time hours, job share, and alternative working patterns, and we encourage conversations about individual needs during the recruitment process. We are actively working to remove barriers within our hiring practices and aim to provide a fair, accessible and supportive experience for every candidate. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

Job Description

A day in the life of an Ascent Business Assistant

As the Business Assistant you will be part of a friendly team who are involved in providing a diverse range of professional business support services across two sites within a defence environment. 

If you are interested in joining our exceptional team, you will:

·         Co-ordinate and prepare class induction programmes

·         Deliver a range of Health & Safety tasks, including a PowerPoint brief to all new trainees and staff

·         Track mandatory training for all site staff

·         Act as point of contact for staff, trainees, and partners on site

·         Assist with travel and accommodation bookings

·         Input accurate data onto spreadsheets

·         Assist with site visits 

What will make you successful?

·         Commitment to providing a high-quality service and support to employees and customers

·         The ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks effectively

·         Enthusiasm for learning about our business and gaining new skills

·         A willingness to work flexibly and supportively as part of a busy team

·         Understanding the importance of confidentiality and safety within an office environment

·         A positive attitude to diversity and an ability to communicate clearly and respectfully

·         An ability to use Microsoft applications and a willingness to learn other digital applications

This role is full time, 40 hours per week. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Job Description

A day in the life of an Ascent Business Co-ordinator

As the Business Co-ordinator you will be part of a friendly team who are involved in providing a diverse range of professional business support services across two sites within a defence environment. 

If you are interested in joining our exceptional team, as a Business Co-ordinator you will:

·         Co-ordinate business and training activities for staff, trainees and partners onsite

·         Provide business reports and analyse data

·         Deliver a range of Health & Safety tasks

·         Monitor and control site budget expenditure

·         Provide policy advice and guidance to support compliance

·         Input accurate data into well-established databases

·         Co-ordinate site visits 

What will make you successful?

·         Commitment to providing a high-quality service and support to employees and customers

·         The ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks effectively

·         Enthusiasm for learning about our business and gaining new skills

·         A willingness to work flexibly and supportively as part of a busy team

·         Understanding the importance of confidentiality and safety within an office environment

·         A positive attitude to diversity and an ability to communicate clearly and respectfully

·         An ability to use Microsoft applications and a willingness to learn other digital applications

This role is full time, 40 hours per week. A full UK driving licence is essential.

This role requires the successful candidate to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.

We’re proud to foster a flexible and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. Whether working onsite or remotely, we support a culture that encourages collaboration, individuality and work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements for all roles, including part-time hours, job share, and alternative working patterns, and we encourage conversations about individual needs during the recruitment process. We are actively working to remove barriers within our hiring practices and aim to provide a fair, accessible and supportive experience for every candidate. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.