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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.

Start your application

This role is classed as a RBP Engineering Rating. As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.

Register interest
  • A-Levels / college qualifications
  • Surface Fleet
  • Engineering
  • Rating level
A colour image shows two Royal Navy engineers examining a part of a machine in a brightly lit room. They are both wearing blue Royal Navy work uniforms and protective headsets.

Role details

As a Direct Entry Technician (DET) you will begin your Royal Navy career at the rank of Petty Officer Marine Engineering Technician, effectively accelerating your career by three ranks. You will responsible for providing your expertise and leadership at the head of a team of Royal Navy engineers. You’ll serve on board a ship in active duty and on shore. In both scenarios you’ll experience all the excitement, camaraderie and variety of life in the Royal Navy.

  • When you’re deployed at sea, you’ll take the role of Marine Engineering Department Section Head, where you’ll lead on vital engineering projects.
  • Depending on your chosen specialism, you’ll be responsible for sophisticated electrical or mechanical equipment across either propulsion, controls or ship systems.
  • You’ll provide crucial support to the Head of Group, ensuring the systems in your charge are maintained and repaired to the highest level.
  • As a senior member of your team, you’ll be responsible for providing guidance and training for less experienced engineers.
     
  • A starting salary of over £47,700
  • An excellent non-contributory pension scheme – we pay into it for you, so you don’t have to sacrifice any salary.
  • Six weeks of paid holiday every year – plus public holidays. 
  • Free medical and dental care.
  • Amazing opportunities, including world travel and adventurous training for two weeks every year.
  • Free gym and sports, from football to kayaking to kite-surfing.
  • Forces Help to Buy scheme – a 0% loan to get you on, or further up, the housing ladder.
  • Subsidised travel, accommodation and food.
  • Handy discounts with lots of top brands, from Marriott hotels to Audi cars and high street stores. 

Opportunities open to you  

  • Work towards a relevant degree such as Mechanical Engineering.
  • Free professional registration with a recognised engineering council.

Skills you'll develop

  • Adapt and build on your civilian experience, conducting maintenance in a challenging and dynamic environment.
  • Learn to manage an engineering team responsible for maintaining some of the most powerful kit on the planet.
  • Improve your leadership qualities and gain professional qualifications through the Institute of Leadership and Management levels.
     
 

  • You'll need to be between 18 to 39 years old (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 18 years old on day of entry to basic training)  
  • A minimum of two GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics
  • A formal academic engineering qualification at minimum of Level 4 (HNC or equivalent) 
  • Three years’ experience maintaining and diagnosing faults on electric or mechanical systems. Relevant systems include; propulsion, controls, diesel engines, water plant, power generation and refrigeration
  • Experience supervising and line managing at least two engineering technicians
  • A National of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth citizen or Dual National
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test

 

  • A quick thinker, with a passion for working with the latest equipment and technology
  • A problem-solver who can work well as part of a team
  • A real sense of adventure, with a high level of physical and mental fitness
  • Enthusiasm for fixing and maintaining electronic and mechanical systems
I didn’t have the qualifications to join as an Engineer Officer, but this scheme meant I could move straight into a role that’s got the responsibility I want. Now I get to travel the world, getting my hands dirty, and working with amazing kit.

Matt

Direct Entry Technician (Marine Engineering), Engineering branch

Joining Process

From picking your role to the first day of training; everything you need to know as an officer

  • Complete your application
  • Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
  • Interview
  • Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
  • Start training

Complete your application

Your email will include a link to the full application form. Once you’re happy to proceed, simply complete it online. It takes about 15 minutes and you’ll need to provide some basic information, including any medical conditions or criminal convictions.

Start your application

Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.

Got a question?

Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day

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