Electronics Engineer Submariner
As an Electronics Engineer Submariner, you’ll be one of the Navy's electronics and combat systems engineering experts, responsible for the maintenance and repair of communications, sonar, navigation, combat data, fire control and weapons systems onboard an advanced submarine.
You’ll also be heavily involved with resource management, assigning and scheduling personnel, assets, equipment and finances to the task at hand. Ashore, you could be responsible for the project management, provision of financial estimates or the progression of technical works requirements or maintenance programs.
What you'll do
At sea you’ll be the engineering authority, leading a team of highly skilled electronics technicians to make sure the advanced systems onboard the submarine are ready for the mission, and providing critical advice to the Commanding Officer.
In shore-based positions you’ll support the fleet with system specification, acquisition and through-life support, system certification, combat system trials and the broader training and management of electronics technicians and junior engineers.
Your duties may include:
- monitoring system performance
- developing proposed modifications and repair solutions
- supervising and evaluating equipment trials
- resource management
- assigning and scheduling personnel
- finances relevant to your role.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Navy allowing you to face any challenge, either at sea or ashore.
In addition, the Navy sponsors your membership of Engineers Australia (EA) and participation in a Graduate Development Program run in co-operation with EA. Through participation in this program, you can achieve Chartered Professional Engineer status.
As an officer in the Navy, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you’ll generally be based at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island, WA, which is less than an hour’s drive south of Perth.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our major base locations map.
The personnel on a submarine are one of the highest trained forces within the Royal Australian Navy.
The personnel on a submarine are one of the highest trained forces within the Royal Australian Navy.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 51 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into a Bachelor of Engineering at UNSW. This requires you to meet the Assumed Knowledge requirements of Year 12 English, Maths and Physics.
Note: As well as applying to the Navy for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Navy Midshipmen can leave ADFA at any time within their first year. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate.
This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
For ADFA officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, you may resign up until the graduation day of your first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then 2 years of Navy service). You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
For this role, you’ll require a Positive Vetting (PV) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Navy SST furthers your skills, knowledge and attributes gained in your first year in the Navy, and provides you the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in your chosen specialisation.
- Degree related work experience.
- Navy culture and traditions.
- Professional development work experience and outplacements.
- Seamanship and mariner skills.
- Teamwork and leadership.
Course: Engineer Officers' Application Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Commencing in January and July each year, this course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as weapon hydraulics, radar, sonar, missile and gunnery fire control systems, ship communications equipment and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) is combined with Mechanical Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Electronics Engineer) covers specific Weapons Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, you’ll be posted to Training Authority – Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. You’ll undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of Lieutenant. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your ‘Dolphins’ badge signifying your Electronics Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you’ll complete your training towards the award of your Weapons Engineering Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in an Electronics Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time you’ll achieve your Weapons Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required for you to run a Weapons Engineering department in a submarine as the Head of Department.
Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll complete a series of computer-based and instructor-based modules that introduce you to the systems and construction of the submarines and undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses.
Course: Submariner Sea Qualification Experience
Duration: 3-6 months
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll be posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine to undertake the Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book will consolidate all your knowledge to earn the submarine sea qualification and be awarded the Dolphins badge you can proudly wear on your uniform.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
The minimum requirement for entry into this role is an engineering degree permitting graduate membership to Engineers Australia (EA) as a professional engineer. The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not in this list will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Avionics.
- Communications/Telecommunications.
- Computer Systems.
- Electrical/Electronics.
- Electrical (Power).
- Mechatronics.
- Software.
You can apply if you’re in the final year of your degree and have your completed academic transcript and confirmed completion/graduation date. You’ll then need successful results in your final semester before your appointment to the role.
Some degree-qualified officers will start their careers at one rank higher than non-graduate officers. Please speak to your Careers Coach for further information.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate.
This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
For this role, you’ll require a Positive Vetting (PV) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Engineer Officers' Application Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Commencing in January and July each year, this course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as weapon hydraulics, radar, sonar, missile and gunnery fire control systems, ship communications equipment and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) is combined with Mechanical Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Electronics Engineer) covers specific Weapons Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, you’ll be posted to Training Authority – Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. You’ll undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of Lieutenant. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your ‘Dolphins’ badge signifying your Electronics Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you’ll complete your training towards the award of your Weapons Engineering Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in an Electronics Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time you’ll achieve your Weapons Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required for you to run a Weapons Engineering department in a submarine as the Head of Department.
Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll complete a series of computer-based and instructor-based modules that introduce you to the systems and construction of the submarines and undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses.
Course: Submariner Sea Qualification Experience
Duration: 3-6 months
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll be posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine to undertake the Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book will consolidate all your knowledge to earn the submarine sea qualification and be awarded the Dolphins badge you can proudly wear on your uniform.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for Avionics, Communications / Telecommunications, Computer Systems, Electrical / Electronics, Electrical (Power), Mechatronics, Software, however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Navy.
If you’re in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you’re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
Note: degrees other than those listed will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note, if you’re studying a double degree, you’ll only receive funding for one degree.
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate.
This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) commencing from your date of appointment. This is calculated as either two times the length of your academic sponsorship plus one year or the total length of your academic sponsorship plus the officer entry initial minimum period of service for the same role (whichever is the greater).
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
For this role, you’ll require a Positive Vetting (PV) Security Clearance.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, NSW
This course is conducted upon joining and will provide you with an insight into life in the Navy including:
- expectations of a junior officer
- how to salute and march
- an introduction to Navy and compliance training
- issuing of uniforms and Navy identification
- swim test
- fitness test.
Upon completion of your university degree, you’ll complete the New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC).
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Engineer Officers' Application Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Commencing in January and July each year, this course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as weapon hydraulics, radar, sonar, missile and gunnery fire control systems, ship communications equipment and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) is combined with Mechanical Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Electronics Engineer) covers specific Weapons Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, you’ll be posted to Training Authority – Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. You’ll undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of Lieutenant. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your ‘Dolphins’ badge signifying your Electronics Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you’ll complete your training towards the award of your Weapons Engineering Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in an Electronics Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time you’ll achieve your Weapons Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required for you to run a Weapons Engineering department in a submarine as the Head of Department.
Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll complete a series of computer-based and instructor-based modules that introduce you to the systems and construction of the submarines and undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses.
Course: Submariner Sea Qualification Experience
Duration: 3-6 months
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
You’ll be posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine to undertake the Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book will consolidate all your knowledge to earn the submarine sea qualification and be awarded the Dolphins badge you can proudly wear on your uniform.