Cadet Marine Engineer Officer (RFA)

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.

• 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.

• £17,500+ 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, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply

• Great leadership potential
• A hands-on, common sense approach to solving problems
• First-class communication
• A sense of adventure