Without you, the Royal Navy is going nowhere

What is the Engineering branch?

  • Royal Navy engineers keep us moving. From our aircraft, ships and submarines to comms and weapons, our engineers are essential to operational success
  • Working on advanced kit, our engineers maintain our entire fleet, from our flagship aircraft carriers to nuclear submarines
  • Every Royal Navy sailor relies on the systems our engineers maintain, a measure of how vital they are to global success
  • In the Submarine Service, our engineers earn a £5k bonus for earning their 'dolphins'
  • Regardless of the service you choose, as an engineer you'll become a member of close-knit team of problem solvers
  • Whether you have a degree and want to lead a team, or are just starting out, engineering in the Royal Navy is made for you if you have an inquisitive mind and want to tackle new challenges

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Because our world-class kit is only as good as the engineers keeping it in top working order, world-class training comes as standard – whichever level you join at. It means you can tailor your career to meet your goals and ambitions. You could be working with industry leaders to develop new components, or gaining an expert knowledge of nuclear power. No matter if you choose to specialise in marine, air or weapons, you’ll be at the leading edge of engineering, on some of the most sophisticated equipment in existence. Each day brings with it a fresh challenge, which is why all our engineers have the knowhow to find simple solutions to complex problems, fast. Why? Because without them, the Royal Navy’s maritime presence would literally grind to a halt, in operational situations where time waits for no-one.

What can I do?

Apprentice

What does it mean to be an Apprentice Engineer?

  • If you have hands-on skills or a knack for fixing things – an apprenticeship is your door to the world of engineering. You don’t need lots of qualifications: none to become an Engineering Technician; or 3 GCEs / A level 3 NVQ (or equivalent) for Accelerated Apprenticeships.
  • Few careers offer this level of professional training, combined with a competitive starting salary  and the opportunity to gain top qualifications on the job. 
  • Though we welcome some apprentices straight out of school, the upper age limit is 25, and many join us after trying other things.

What does an Apprentice Engineer do? 

  • Learns on the job, working alongside experienced engineers to gain skills and experience.  
  • Makes a valued contribution to the Royal Navy’s engineering team, whilst getting paid and learning valuable skills, fast.
 

Rating

What does it mean to be a Rating?

  • Ratings are the people who get the job done, working in a range of exciting engineering roles on cutting-edge kit, including some of the world’s most advanced ships, submarines, weapons and helicopters.
  • You’ll be valued asset in a highly trained team that puts strategies into practice, performing the daily tasks that help protect our nation’s interests.
  • Ratings come from a range of backgrounds – you might be ready for a change of career, or leaving education. 

What does a Rating do?

  • Use the skills developed in training to complete tasks that are essential to the success of missions all over the world.
  • Take information provided by the leadership team and use it to produce the right results in pressure situations.
 

Officer

What is an Officer?

  • Officers are the managers and leaders within our Engineering team.
  • They use experience and skills to mentor junior members of the team, leading by inspiring example, and utilising their training as a systems engineer. To join us as an Officer, all STEM related degrees will be considered
  • We welcome established engineers looking for something new and meaningful or offer bursaries for budding future engineers. 

What do Officers do?

  • Provide leadership, drawing on experience and expertise to make key strategic decisions. 
  • Take responsibility for the welfare and work of our trained and professional engineers, making sure our equipment is ready for missions all over the world.
 

A day in the life: Engineering

John, 30

Weapon Engineer Officer

I was leading a team of engineers from the start, so my decisions really count – and have real consequences, too. Four years in, I’m working hard towards becoming chartered, so I’m very busy. But very ‘good busy’.”

Where can I work?

Royal Navy ship at sea.

Aircraft carriers, assault ships, destroyers or frigates: this is our backbone. It gives us our global impact, from combat missions to humanitarian aid.

Royal Navy submarine at sea.

The world-renowned silent service, protecting us from beneath the waves. It’s responsible for highly classified, stealth operations – and Trident.

Royal Navy ship at sea.

From fuel to food: what we need, when we need it, wherever we are. This fleet of civilian ships provides global support to the whole Naval Service.

Royal Navy personnel on flight deck.

With powerful support from the air our fighter jets and helicopters extend our reach, all over the world, whether it’s a peacetime or combat mission.

Find your engineering role


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Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer (AAPO) Scheme Marine Engineering General Service (MEGS)

Accelerated Apprentice Petty Officer (AAPO) Scheme Marine Engineering General Service (MEGS)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with our most advanced warships, part of the team that makes sure they’re always ready for action.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 37
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: Starting salary over £37,700
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Submariner)

Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Submariner)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with one of our most elite teams, making sure that submarines are always ready for action.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 25
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: Starting salary over £37,700
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £85,500 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Air Engineering Technician

Air Engineering Technician

You’ll take charge of scheduled maintenance, servicing and inspections for the Fleet Air Arm’s aircraft.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496+ The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Communications and Information Systems Specialist (CIS)

Communications and Information Systems Specialist (CIS)

You’ll be in the thick of the action, in charge of the cutting-edge communication systems that are essential to global operations.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000+ The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,599 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Direct Entry Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)

Direct Entry Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with our most advanced warships, part of the team that makes sure they’re always ready for action.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: £38,500 your starting salary
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £51,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)

Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)

You’ll maintain the systems that power the ship, finding innovative solutions to complex problems.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000+ The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: NVQs Get funding for qualifications
Find out more
Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) (Submariner)

Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) (Submariner)

You’ll work on sophisticated equipment that is essential to keeping our submarines moving.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000 The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £85,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Extra pay Submariner pay each day at sea when fully qualified
Find out more
Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering)

Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering)

You’ll maintain and operate complex communication, detection and weapon systems worth millions of pounds.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000 The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) (Submariner)

Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) (Submariner)

You’ll maintain the firepower and defensive technology of a Royal Navy submarine.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,000+ The minimum you’ll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £76,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: £5,000 For earning your ‘Dolphins’
Find out more
Marine Engineer Officer (Submariner)

Marine Engineer Officer (Submariner)

You’ll oversee the maintenance and operation of a nuclear reactor, leading a team that solves complex problems in often challenging conditions.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £44,456 Your approximate salary after about two years
  • Benefits: £5,000 For earning your ‘Dolphins’
Find out more
Survival Equipment Technician (SET)

Survival Equipment Technician (SET)

Lives will depend on the equipment you’re working with just as much as they’ll depend on your skills and attention to detail.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 16 - 39
  • Education: No qualifications
  • Salary: £23,496 the minimum you'll earn after training
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Free medical and dental care
Find out more
Weapon Engineer Officer

Weapon Engineer Officer

You’ll lead a team of skilled engineers to ensure your ship’s efficiency as a state-of-the-art fighting machine.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £38,500 Your approximate salary after about two years
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Weapon Engineer Officer (Submariner)

Weapon Engineer Officer (Submariner)

You’ll lead a team of specialist engineers on one of two types of cutting-edge submarines, on highly classified global missions.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £23,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £44,000 Your approximate salary after about two years
  • Benefits: £5,000 for earning your ‘Dolphins’
Find out more
Accelerated Apprentice scheme (Air Engineering)

Accelerated Apprentice scheme (Air Engineering)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with our most advanced aircraft, as part of the team that maintains, services and inspects them.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 25
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: Starting salary over £37,700
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Communications Information Systems)

Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Communications Information Systems)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with one of our most elite teams, transmitting and receiving crucial messages.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 25
  • Education: GCSEs
  • Salary: Starting salary over £37,700
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £54,500 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Weapon Engineering)

Accelerated Apprentice Scheme (Weapon Engineering)

You’ll be fast-tracked to working with our cutting-edge kit, part of the team that guarantees our weapons systems are world-class.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 17 - 25
  • Education: A-level and/or BTEC
  • Salary: Starting salary over £37,700
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £58,000 Earn over this amount as you progress
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Air Engineer Officer

Air Engineer Officer

Lead the specialist team who makes sure our cutting-edge aircraft are ready for action, in challenging situations, all over the world.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £38,000 Your approximate salary after about two years
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more
Marine Engineer Officer

Marine Engineer Officer

You’ll lead the day-to-day maintenance of our cutting-edge kit. Without you, vital operations couldn’t happen.

The role at a glance
  • Age: 18 - 39
  • Education: Degree
  • Salary: £31,000 Your minimum salary from day one
  • Holiday: 6 weeks of paid holiday every year
  • Progression: £38,000 Your approximate salary after about two years
  • Benefits: Travel all around the world
Find out more

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