Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Signals Operator Technical (SIGSOP(T)) are part of the Air Force’s Aerospace Intelligence Employment Group and are employed in the sensitive and highly challenging field of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). This is divided into two areas: Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Technical Signals (TECHSIGS) Analysis. ELINT is the analysis of non-communications emissions such as radars and TECHSIGS is the analysis of machine-generated communications.

After initial training, the main duties are to collect, analyse and disseminate SIGINT information. The SIGSOP(T) is required to identify and record selected electronic emissions or technical signals and to report on the technical parameters of those transmissions. After Initial Employment Training you will likely be posted to the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit (JEWOSU) at RAAF Edinburgh in Adelaide, however you may be posted to another locality to satisfy Service requirements at that time.

A SIGSOP(T) must have a high level of written and oral communications skills, be able to think objectively, perform well under pressure and have strength of conviction. SIGSOP(T)s must demonstrate integrity and be able to foster confidence and trust in their abilities. SIGSOP(T)s must also have a well-developed analytical approach and be prepared to think logically and laterally to problem solve. They must have a positive and responsible attitude to handling classified material and commitment to protecting information sensitive to national interests.

In most cases, SIGSOP(T)s will operate as part of a team but in some cases will be the only intelligence member of the team. SIGSOP(T)s are information collectors, processors and managers and must be competent in the use of information technology systems and be willing to rapidly assimilate and adapt to newly introduced technology. They should also be interested in military matters such as platforms, equipment and weapon systems. They must be computer literate and be prepared to learn new software and the latest equipment to keep up with advancing technology. SIGSOP(T)s must learn research and analysis techniques and be able to put them into practice. These include using spreadsheets, graphs and charts that may be used simply to display complex information.

Employment conditions vary from non-deployed environments but typically, the majority of the SIGSOP(T) duties are performed in air-conditioned offices or transportable cabins. Due to security requirements most work areas are windowless environments and most work occurs using computer work stations. There is shiftwork in some workplaces and odd work hours also occur during major exercises or extended operations. Personnel supporting flying operations may deploy to remote locations at short notice. All members of the SIGSOP(T) Mustering should expect temporary duties to any location for exercise, specialist training courses or reinforce other units on deployment. In deployed and non-deployed environments, SIGSOP(T)s will operate as part of a team but in some scenarios will be the only intelligence member of a team.