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Military Engineer

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Military engineers in the United Kingdom are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure needed to support armed forces operations. This may include constructing bridges, airfields, roads, and bases, as well as handling demolitions and providing water and power supplies in difficult environments. Military engineers use both technical skills and practical problem-solving to ensure that troops have the facilities and equipment needed to complete their missions safely and effectively. The role can involve both overseas deployments and work within the UK, and it offers opportunities to gain recognised engineering qualifications while serving in the military.

Military Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Military engineers in the UK typically earn between £27,000 and £48,000 per year, depending on rank and experience.

Job Openings

The British Army and Royal Air Force regularly recruit military engineers, with hundreds of new positions advertised each year.

Training Duration

Initial training for military engineers lasts around 14 weeks, followed by specialist technical training which may take an additional 6 months to 2 years.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Royal Engineers Officer

Leads teams within the British Army's Royal Engineers, overseeing construction, demolition, and infrastructure projects in both combat and peacetime situations.

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Defence Infrastructure Mechanical Engineer

Specialises in the design, maintenance, and repair of mechanical systems on military bases and installations, ensuring operational readiness.

Combat Systems Electrical Engineer

Focuses on the development and support of electrical and electronic systems used in military vehicles, communications, and weaponry.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete GCSEs

Achieve good grades in GCSEs, especially in Maths, Science, and English.

Most military engineering roles require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including Maths and Science. These subjects will help you develop the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for engineering.

Consider Further Study

Progress to A-levels or equivalent qualifications, focusing on Maths, Physics, or Engineering.

A-levels in Maths and Physics are highly valued. Alternatively, you could study a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering or a similar subject. This will provide a strong foundation for technical training in the military.

Join the Armed Forces

Research Military Engineering Roles

Explore different branches such as the Royal Engineers (British Army) or Royal Navy Civil Engineers.

Each branch of the armed forces offers unique engineering roles. The Royal Engineers, for example, are responsible for construction, demolition, and infrastructure support. The Royal Navy Civil Engineers focus on naval bases and maritime projects. Research the roles to understand which fits your interests and skills.

Apply and Pass Selection

Submit your application and attend selection tests, interviews, and fitness assessments.

The selection process includes aptitude tests, medical examinations, and fitness assessments. You will also be interviewed to assess your motivation and suitability for an engineering role in the military.

Complete Specialist Training

Undertake Basic Military Training

Complete the initial basic training required for all new recruits.

This training will teach you essential military skills such as teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. It usually lasts several weeks and is a requirement before moving on to specialist training.

Receive Engineering Training

Attend specialist courses in military engineering, construction, or technical trades.

Depending on your chosen role, you may learn about construction, bridge building, explosives handling, or mechanical engineering. Training is provided by experienced military instructors and often includes both classroom and practical experience.

Develop Your Career

Gain Experience on Operations

Work on real engineering projects and missions in the UK and abroad.

You could be deployed to support humanitarian relief, peacekeeping, or combat operations. Gaining hands-on experience will help you develop advanced skills and prepare you for leadership roles.

Pursue Professional Qualifications

Work towards recognised engineering qualifications or chartered status.

The military supports further education and professional development. You may be encouraged to gain qualifications such as HNC or HND in Engineering, or even work towards chartered status with professional bodies like the Institution of Civil Engineers.

🎯 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.

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

Military Engineers often work with advanced technology, electronics, and structural design related to aerospace systems, making Aerospace Engineer the closest match. Both roles require specialised technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience with complex engineering projects in defence and aeronautical contexts.

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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