Choose an Engineering career in the Royal Navy and you’ll be challenged – and rewarded – every single day. Whether you choose weapons or marine engineering, ships or submarines, your responsibility will be the same: to keep your vessel ready for anything.
CHOOSE YOUR VESSEL
Select your vessel and then roll over the hotspots to see what you'll be responsible for as an Engineer Officer.
MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER
HMS DARING
TYPE 45 DESTROYER
Largest and most powerful air defence destroyer and general-purpose warship in the Royal Navy.
| DISPLACEMENT | 7,400 TONNES (8,100t FULL LOAD) |
| PROPULSION | 2 x ROLLS-ROYCE WR21 GAS AND TURBINE DRIVEN ALTERNATORS |
| SPEED | 27+ KNOTS (18 KNOTS ECO) |
| RADAR | SAMPSON MFR 400K RANGE |
Power Supply
IEP
Fuel
Domestics
Hull
Power Supply
As well as propulsion, the Type 45 needs power for weapons, sensors and essential support systems; about the same power requirements as a small town.
IEP
The Type 45 is powered by the innovative Integrated Electric Propulsion system, a world first for a frontline warship.
Fuel
Although the Type 45 is 45% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, fuel management is still essential. The vessel's effective range is 7,000 nautical miles, which means it can get from Portsmouth to the Falklands without refuelling.
Domestics
The ship carries 190 crew, so it needs to be able to produce water and dispose of waste as efficiently as possible.
Hull
Although the hull comprises over 2,800 tonnes of steel, the ship's design minimises its visibility on other ships' sensors, making the Type 45 appear much smaller to a potential enemy.
LIFE AS A MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER
Staying cool when you're under pressure is the key to being a Marine Engineer Officer. You'll report directly to the Captain and lead a team of skilled Technicians, with responsibility for the maintenance and operations of the hull. As well as the engines, power distribution, and all the diverse elements that keep a warship at sea.
HOW WILL MY CAREER PROGRESS?
During your Officer training, you'll be based at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth. 10 weeks of your 8 months there will be spent getting practical sea experience. Once you complete your Officer Training, you'll go on to HMS Sultan for 10 months studying gas turbines, diesel generators, hydraulics and air systems. You'll also be encouraged to progress and qualify as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
WEAPON ENGINEER OFFICER
HMS DARING
TYPE 45 DESTROYER
Largest and most powerful air defence destroyer and general-purpose warship in the Royal Navy.
| DISPLACEMENT | 7,400 TONNES (8,100t FULL LOAD) |
| PROPULSION | 2 x ROLLS-ROYCE WR21 GAS AND TURBINE DRIVEN ALTERNATORS |
| SPEED | 27+ KNOTS (18 KNOTS ECO) |
| RADAR | SAMPSON MFR 400K RANGE |
Air Weapons
LRR
Phalanx
MFR
Aster Missile
4.5 inch Gun
Air Weapons
The Type 45's Lynx Helicopter carries Stingray Torpedoes or Sea Skua Missiles giving the ship an anti-submarine and anti-ship capability.
LRR
The Long Range Radar can track up to 1,000 targets at a range of 400km, and is the same tactical threat array to be used on the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.
Phalanx
Phalanx is the Type 45's last line of defence against anti-ship missiles: a highly precise, radar-guided 6-barrelled gatling gun.
MFR
The Sampson Multi Functional Radar is virtually impervious to jamming, and can track multiple and stealthy targets at long range.
Aster Missile
The Type 45's principal armament, the Principal Anti Air Missile System. PAAMS uses both short / medium and long range missiles.
4.5 inch Gun
A medium-calibre gun used mainly for Naval Gunfire Support (for example, supporting an amphibious assault) with an effective range of 27km.
LIFE AS A WEAPON ENGINEER OFFICER
A Weapon Engineer Officer is responsible for keeping a vessel's fighting capabilities in perfect order. You'll report directly to the Captain and oversee the welfare and development of a team of skilled Technicians. You'll relish problem-solving under pressure and dealing with the unexpected.
HOW WILL MY CAREER PROGRESS?
During your Officer training, you'll be based at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth. 10 weeks of your 8 months there will be spent getting practical sea experience. Once you complete your Officer Training, you'll go on to HMS Collingwood for 10 months studying communications, sensor and weapons systems. You'll also be encouraged to progress and qualify as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
PAY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION
Marine Engineer Officer / Weapon Engineer Officer
- Salary: £29,587-£32,703*
- 6 weeks' annual paid holiday
- Free medical & dental care
- Clear, structured career paths
- Opportunities to gain further qualifications
- Streamlined route to professional accreditation
Marine Engineer Officer (Submariner) /
Weapon Engineer Officer (Submariner)
Same as above except:
- Additional £4,423.38 p.a. upon qualification as a
submariner - Further £7,540.90 p.a. for Marine Engineers upon
qualification as nuclear supervisor
* Salary and pay details correct (1 April 2010)
MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER
HMS ASTUTE
ASTUTE CLASS SUBMARINE
The largest, most advanced and formidable vessel of it's kind operated by the Royal Navy.
| DISPLACEMENT | 7,400 TONNES SUBMERGED |
| PROPULSION | ROLLS-ROYCE PWR 2 REACTOR, 600KW DIESEL GENERATORS |
| SPEED | 30+ KNOTS (56+ KM/H) |
| MAX DEPTH | CLASSIFIED |
Propulsion Plant
Electrical Systems
Nuclear Reactor
Oxygen and Water
Trim and Ballast
Propulsion Plant
Extensive improvements have been made to the latest generation of gearbox, shaft and propulsor to give optimum power while keeping the vessel as quiet as possible.
Electrical Systems
Twin steam-powered turbo generators provide AC electrical power throughout the vessel. A DC system and twin diesel generators act as back-up.
Nuclear Reactor
The latest generation of Pressurised Water Reactor is designed to last the life of the submarine without need for refuelling.
Oxygen and Water
The Astute class has to produce fresh water and dispose of waste for 100 sailors without compromising on acoustic stealth, as well as keeping the atmosphere breathable whilst dived, often for many weeks.
Trim and Ballast
Buoyancy is controlled by a complex tank and pump system, required to move large volumes of sea water around the vessel.
WEAPON ENGINEER OFFICER
HMS ASTUTE
ASTUTE CLASS SUBMARINE
The largest, most advanced and formidable vessel of it's kind operated by the Royal Navy.
| DISPLACEMENT | 7,400 TONNES SUBMERGED |
| PROPULSION | ROLLS-ROYCE PWR 2 REACTOR, 600KW DIESEL GENERATORS |
| SPEED | 30+ KNOTS (56+ KM/H) |
| MAX DEPTH | CLASSIFIED |
Stealth
Communications and Surveillance
Tomahawk
Spearfish
Main Sonar
Stealth
Both active and passive noise reduction are used to ensure that the submarine can operate without detection.
Communications and Surveillance
Intelligence-gathering, using low-light video and photo technology, is a significant part of the submarine's contribution to operations.
Tomahawk
Launched from the torpedo tubes, the latest generation of Tomahawk missile has a 1,000 nautical mile range with pinpoint accuracy, and is used against targets in support of land operations.
Spearfish
The advanced heavyweight Spearfish torpedo weighs 2 tonnes, and is wire-guided for use against both surface and subsurface targets.
Main Sonar
Able to detect a ship from up to 100 miles away, the main sonar of the Astute class is an integrated passive/active search and attack sonar suite.
LIFE AS A WEAPON ENGINEER OFFICER
Not everyone is capable of taking responsibility for the torpedo and missile systems of a Royal Navy submarine. You'll be part of an elite team carrying out one the world's most varied and challenging engineering careers. The job demands leadership and management of the highest order. You'll often be on covert missions and get to see the world.
HOW WILL MY CAREER PROGRESS?
During your Officer training, you'll be based at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth. 10 weeks of your 8 months there will be spent getting practical sea experience. Once you complete your Officer Training, you'll go on to HMS Collingwood for 10 months studying Systems Engineering and Management, followed by 4 months of Submarine training. You'll also be encouraged to progress and qualify as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
LIFE AS A MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER
Combining the engineering challenges of a warship, a nuclear power station and a spacecraft, there are few engineering challenges to match those of a nuclear submarine. You'll lead a team of Technicians and take overall responsibility for both the vessel's maintenance as well as the welfare of the crew, reporting directly to the Captain.
HOW WILL MY CAREER PROGRESS?
During your Officer training, you'll be based at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth. 10 weeks of your 8 months there will be spent getting practical sea experience. Once you complete your Officer Training, you'll spend 10 months studying System Engineering and Management (including gas turbines, diesel generators, hydraulics and air systems at HMS Sultan). You'll then gain training and a diploma in Nuclear Reactor Technology. You'll also be encouraged to progress and qualify as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer.
PAY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION
Marine Engineer Officer / Weapon Engineer Officer
- Salary: £29,587-£32,703*
- 6 weeks' annual paid holiday
- Free medical & dental care
- Clear, structured career paths
- Opportunities to gain further qualifications
- Streamlined route to professional accreditation
Marine Engineer Officer (Submariner) /
Weapon Engineer Officer (Submariner)
Same as above except:
- Additional £4,423.38 p.a. upon qualification as a
submariner - Further £7,540.90 p.a. for Marine Engineers upon
qualification as nuclear supervisor
* Salary and pay details correct (1 April 2010)
FOR A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION ABOUT THE CURRENT ROLES AVAILABLE & ELIGIBILITY CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW
For more information and/or to start your application process, you can either chat to one of our advisors on 08456 02 02 42 or click on the 'How to Join' link here. To see a list of eligible degrees click here
If you're still not sure, why not download the Engineer Officer Challenge App* and see if you've got what it takes.
*Available now on iPhone and online on our facebook page (available on iPad from the end of February 2011 and Android platforms from the beginning of April 2011).
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Training and Fitness
