Qualified Systems Engineer Officer (RFA)
You’ll have overall responsibility for the vital electronics and communication systems that make every operation possible.
- MCA Certified
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Engineering
- Officer level
Leave
£63,500
Pay
Pension
Chartership
Travel
The breadth of electrical systems makes this a challenging role with a loads of responsibility. There’s a lot of variety, which I love, but it’s the people that really make it.
Role details
What you’ll do
As a Qualified Systems Engineer Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll take overall responsibility for the vital electronics and communication systems that make every operation possible. The work you do will cover all areas of the ship. From the Bridge, to the Engine Room, you’ll lead a team in maintaining a broad range of complex systems, tackling a new challenge every day and gaining the experience you need to become a Chartered Engineer.
Your role
- Work on everything from navigational aids, electronic and communication equipment, to PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control and automation systems.
- Collaborate with experts from the Marine Engineering, Deck and Logistics departments, exploring the different disciplines and developing skills that will stay with you throughout your career.
- Act as mentor to the junior members of your team, and provide leadership to the senior rates who will rely on your advice and guidance as they tackle complex challenges every.
- Without the ability to communicate with, and navigate to Royal Navy warships around the globe, we’d be unable to complete vital Replenishment at Sea operations.
Pay & benefits
- Earn £37,700+ from the day you start
- Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month spent on board ship
- Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme
- World-class training
- Potential to travel the world
Skills for life
Qualifications you'll gain
- A streamlined path to becoming a Chartered Engineer
- MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA
Skills you'll develop
- An in-depth knowledge of Marine Engineering principles
- The ability to lead and manage a highly skilled team
Eligibility
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
- ENG1 medical certificate, unrestricted for worldwide sea service
- Mandatory:
MCA certified
OR
A minimum of an HNC (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering + At least 2 years relevant sea service.
OR
A minimum of an HND (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering + At least 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Preferred:
Degree or HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering + an STCW AIII/6 ETO Certificate of Competency. - 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
Skills & Interests
- An ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front
- Confidence making key decisions in high-pressure situations
- A problem solver, with a common sense approach, who can work well as part of a team
- A passion for the latest technology
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Submit an application
Confirm eligibility
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
You will be asked to attend an Armed Forces Careers Office close to your home where you will conduct the DAA.
Interview
If you satisfy the certification criteria, you will be invited to a Suitability Interview in Portsmouth
RFA Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
If found suitable at the interview, invited to attend the RFA Admiralty Interview Board (AIB), HMS Sultan. This stage is unique to officers and takes place in two parts. A Pre Recorded Interview (PRI) is an online assessment which assesses your motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer and your awareness of the Royal Navy. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage of the AIB and is an online competency based assessment which will take place on a separate day to the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance. On successful completion of this, attend Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) for 10 weeks.
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