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Armed Forces

Military Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A military engineer in the United Kingdom works for the Armed Forces, primarily within the British Army’s Royal Engineers or similar units in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Their work includes designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure such as bridges, roads, airfields, and defensive structures. Military engineers also deal with demolitions, bomb disposal, and support humanitarian missions, often working in challenging environments both in the UK and overseas. Training involves both military and technical engineering skills, and there are opportunities to specialise in areas like electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering. The role requires problem-solving, teamwork, and a strong sense of duty.

Military Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Military engineers in the UK Armed Forces typically earn between £28,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.

Employment Numbers

There are approximately 3,000 to 4,500 military engineers currently serving in the British Army’s Royal Engineers and related units.

Job Outlook

The UK military recruits hundreds of new engineers each year, with roles available for both officers and enlisted personnel.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Combat Engineer

Specialises in building and maintaining military structures, such as bridges and field fortifications, often working close to the front lines.

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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician

Trains to identify, disarm and remove explosive devices, ensuring safety for military personnel and civilians.

Military Communications Engineer

Focuses on setting up and maintaining secure communication systems for military operations, ensuring information can be shared safely and reliably.

Explore Military Engineering

Research Military Engineering Roles

Find out about the various engineering roles within the armed forces, such as those in the Royal Engineers or RAF Engineering branches.

Visit official armed forces websites, such as the British Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force, to learn about their engineering units. Look for information on job responsibilities, typical projects, and daily life as a military engineer. You can also attend careers fairs or speak to current service members for firsthand insights.

Assess Suitability and Entry Requirements

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for joining the armed forces as an engineer, including fitness, age, and education requirements.

Each branch of the military has its own entry standards. Most engineering roles require at least GCSEs in maths, science, and English. Some positions may need A-levels or equivalent qualifications, particularly for officer roles. You will also need to meet physical fitness and medical standards, and be prepared for security checks.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Obtain GCSEs, particularly in maths, science, and English, as these are essential for engineering roles in the military.

Aim for good grades in core subjects, especially if you wish to pursue a technical or officer route. If possible, take additional subjects like Design and Technology or Computer Science to strengthen your application.

Consider Further Education or Apprenticeships

Pursue A-levels in relevant subjects or apply for an engineering apprenticeship through the armed forces.

A-levels in maths, physics, or engineering can increase your chances of being accepted for officer training. Alternatively, the armed forces offer apprenticeships where you can earn while you learn, gaining engineering qualifications and valuable work experience.

Apply and Begin Military Training

Apply to the Armed Forces

Submit your application to the relevant branch and role, such as British Army Royal Engineers or RAF Engineering.

Complete the online application and attend interviews and assessment days. Be prepared for tests covering fitness, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Highlight your interest in engineering and any relevant experience or qualifications.

Complete Basic and Specialist Engineer Training

Undertake initial military training followed by specialist engineering training, tailored to your chosen role and branch.

All recruits complete basic training to learn military skills and discipline. Following this, you will receive technical training in engineering, which may include construction, mechanical and electrical systems, or explosive ordnance disposal, depending on your chosen path.

Develop Your Career

Gain Experience and Progress

Work on military engineering projects and seek opportunities for promotion or further specialisation.

After your initial training, you will be deployed on various projects, both in the UK and overseas. You can develop further by taking on leadership roles, specialising in areas like combat engineering, civil engineering, or logistics, and undertaking further education or professional courses.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Military Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Military Engineer and an Aerospace Engineer both require a strong understanding of advanced engineering principles, often involving aeronautics, propulsion, and military technology. Both careers typically demand specialised technical knowledge, problem-solving skills in complex systems, and may involve working on projects related to defence and national security.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • manufacturing or product engineering
  • physics or applied physics
  • software engineering or mathematics

Postgraduate study

You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

  • maths, physics and design and technology
  • mechanical engineering
  • aeronautical engineering
  • electrical engineering

You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Software Engineer
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer
  • Materials Science Technologist

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.

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