Navy - Weapon Engineer Officer in Portsmouth

As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will be one of the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management system experts.

About the role:

• As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will become an expert in the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management systems.
• Onboard a ship you will lead a team of skilled technicians who maintain and repair the sophisticated equipment that provides our Navy’s fighting capability, including radio frequency transmitters, satellite receivers, integrated target evaluation and weapon assignment systems, and ship’s navigational data systems.
• Leadership and effective communication in a multi-disciplinary environment will be your key qualities.
• You are also likely to be a logical thinker who works well with people and seeks a challenging work environment.

Applicants require a BE(Hons) or BEngTech, typically in a field such as electrical, electronics or computer engineering. Applicants from most engineering specialities will be considered. Applicants with a Degree in Computer Science, Systems or IT are also encouraged to apply.

The minimum educational requirement to apply for a scholarship is NCEA Level 3 with 18 credits in Level 3 Mathematics and Physics and University Entrance.

In shore based positions, generally in Devonport Naval Base (Auckland), Weapon Engineers perform duties in support of the fleet. You are responsible for the procurement and through-life support of our ships, as well as the training and management of our officers and sailors.

A diverse range of positions are available such as project management, equipment procurement and upgrades, system performance analysis and maintenance planning. Your career will be managed so that you rotate regularly through these roles, ensuring you develop a broad understanding of weapon and combat systems engineering tasks.

In order to fully technically qualify you for the Head of Department Weapon Engineering Officer role onboard a ship, the first 4-5 years of your career onboard ship will be spent assisting and deputising for the embarked Engineering Officer. This period will involve self‑lead engineering study, qualitative assessments, and course completion to progress your career.

Following that, you will spend another 5-6 years undergoing NZDF leadership development and consolidation. This period will involve rotating through various diverse engineering and non‑engineering roles in the RNZN every 18‑24 months, leading teams and managing change.

Onboard a ship, once you’re fully leadership and technically qualified you will lead the Weapon Engineering Department – a team of up to 31 skilled technicians. You will be responsible directly to the Commanding Officer for the performance and availability of the equipment under your charge and the welfare and training of the people under your leadership.

Careers in the Navy are well‑rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

The objective of JOCT is to provide you with the core skills of military, mariner, and leadership to be an effective Officer in the Navy. The course is completed in two phases of training that train key areas of development.

Phase 1 – Introduction: This phase focuses on ‘followership’ and teamwork. Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade, and kit preparation. Physical Training will be conducted at all times throughout training to develop a high level of physical and mental fitness that promotes morale, good health, and good habits.

Phase 2 – Fit for Sea: The second phase of training will focus on attributes of being in the Navy in preparation for operational service at sea. Trainees will be taught about the roles and responsibilities on board an RNZN ship.