As a Cadet Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll learn how our ships work, and how you can provide the power that keeps them moving. We provide essential logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy, wherever they are in the world, but without you, that vital work would grind to a halt. As soon as you’re a fully fledged Marine Engineer Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in Replenishment at Sea operations, getting your hands on some enormous mechanical systems in the process.
Cadet Marine Engineer Officer (RFA)
Learn how our ships work, providing the power that keeps them moving. Without you, vital operations would grind to a halt.
Start your application
As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interest- GCSEs
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Engineering
- Officer level

Role details
- From the moment you join you’ll be training to become an Engineer Officer of the Watch, gaining all the skills you need to oversee your department’s work on our large-scale mechanical systems.
- Work alongside your crewmates from the Logistics, Deck and Systems Engineering departments, gaining a broad knowledge of how the ship works, and how your role fits in to the wider ship’s company.
- Gain hands-on experience as you maintain and repair everything from the hull, engines and power generation systems, to the water cooling and hydraulics. When you qualify you’ll be taking a managerial role, so knowing how everything works is essential.
- Become experienced in working with a mix of diesel-electric, slow and medium speed diesel propulsion systems, as you work across the RFA fleet.
- £20,113+ starting salary during training
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 7 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
Qualifications you'll gain
- A defined path to becoming a Chartered Engineer
- MCA certification that is fully supported by the RFA
Skills you'll develop
- A wide and varied skillset in the field of mechanical engineering
- The ability to lead and manage a highly skilled team
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
- 5 GCSEs including Mathematics, English Language and either Physics or Chemistry or Dual Science at GRADE 4/c OR 9-4 Scottish equivalent
- To be considered for a Foundation degree option A Levels or Scottish Advanced Higher qualifications are required but must include a numerate subject such as Mathematics
- Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in UK. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
- The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for any employment within the MOD if you have been dismissed from a role for unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out
- Great leadership potential
- A hands-on, common sense approach to solving problems
- First-class communication
- A sense of adventure
I was really nervous when I started, but the people on board ship have given me so much help. It’s been great and I’ve learnt so much already.
Joining process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
- Register your interest
- Complete your application
- Eligibility
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
- Training
- Training part 2
Start your application
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
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