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.
Qualified Systems Engineer Officer (RFA)
You’ll have overall responsibility for the vital electronics and communication systems that make every operation possible.
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- MCA Certified
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Engineering
- Officer level
Role details
- 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.
- Earn £43,500 from the day you start as a Third Officer
- 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
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
- 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 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
- 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
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.
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day One
Complete your militarisation and marinisation training within 10 weeks at HMS Raliegh. This initial stage of development for young officers, designed to build the leadership, discipline, and core military skills required for naval service, before then moving onto Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth for another 30 weeks to further develop these skills.
Professional Training
Develop your chosen profession skills at your respective training establishment dependant on your profession.
First Year
Learn management theory, develop your own style of leadership and experience your first time at sea practicing your role.
First Promotion
Become a Sub – Lieutenant, advance you skills with further training, have an increased responsibility.
Second Promotion
Become a Lieutenant, lead a department and report directly into command.
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
- Confirm eligibility
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- RFA Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
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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