Mechanical Engineer
What you'll do
Your duties may include:
- leading a team of technicians
- contributing to the command team
- managing the maintenance and repair of ships’ systems and equipment, such as:
- air conditioning and refrigeration systems
- automatic and remote-control systems
- integrated platform control and monitoring systems
- diesel and gas turbine engines
- electrical generation and distribution systems
- hydraulic systems
- propulsion systems
- ship structures like tanks, compartments and masts
- hotel services (such as ventilation, fresh water and sewage systems).
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.
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 could be based at one of the many Navy facilities located around the country. Depending on your job, you’ll work at sea with periods spent ashore at your vessel’s home base.
Many opportunities also exist for short periods (4-6 months) of operational service overseas.
I wanted a career that was more fulfilling and I found that being an officer.
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.
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.
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 an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
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.
- Specialty 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: Introduction to Navy Engineering Practices
Duration: 18 Weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course description:
This course supplements your tertiary education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy, such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 8 weeks and is combined with Electronics 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, a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the course, you’ll be posted to a ship as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer and issued with a Requirements Journal, which consists of a series of tasks that need to be completed to prepare for the Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency examination board, which typically occurs after 18 months of sea training. Achievement of the board qualifies you to be a Deputy Mechanical Engineer on a major warship and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend 2-3 years ashore before returning to sea for a 2-year posting as a Deputy, during which time you’ll achieve your Mechanical Engineering Charge Qualification (MCQ), which is the final qualification required to run a Mechanical Engineering department on a major warship. You can expect to do a further 2-3 years ashore before being promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
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.
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 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.
- Aerospace/Aeronautical
- Electrical (Power Systems)
- Marine/Ocean
- Mechanical
- Naval Architecture.
You may commence the selection process if you are in the final year of an engineering degree and can present your completed academic transcript and confirmed completion/graduation date. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion of all professional experience requirements and the final semester of your engineering degree.
Qualified Engineers holding a Chartered Professional Engineering (CPEng) status with Engineers Australia can apply for advanced standing in the workforce. With Mid-Career Entry (MCE), you can enter the Navy with a rank, position and pay grade that rewards your valuable experience. It’s a great way to leverage your skillset and qualifications to take your career in an exciting new direction.
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.
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.
- Specialty 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: Introduction to Navy Engineering Practices
Duration: 18 Weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course description:
This course supplements your tertiary education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy, such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 8 weeks and is combined with Electronics 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, a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the course, you’ll be posted to a ship as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer and issued with a Requirements Journal, which consists of a series of tasks that need to be completed to prepare for the Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency examination board, which typically occurs after 18 months of sea training. Achievement of the board qualifies you to be a Deputy Mechanical Engineer on a major warship and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend 2-3 years ashore before returning to sea for a 2-year posting as a Deputy, during which time you’ll achieve your Mechanical Engineering Charge Qualification (MCQ), which is the final qualification required to run a Mechanical Engineering department on a major warship. You can expect to do a further 2-3 years ashore before being promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
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.
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 a degree that meets Navy requirements), however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Navy.
Applicants attempting double degrees will only receive HELP funding allocation for their engineering units. The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not on this list will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Aerospace/Aeronautical
- Electrical (Power Systems)
- Marine/Ocean
- Mechanical
- Naval Architecture
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.
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.
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.
- Specialty 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: Introduction to Navy Engineering Practices
Duration: 18 Weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course description:
This course supplements your tertiary education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy, such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into 3 distinct parts:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 8 weeks and is combined with Electronics 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, a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the course, you’ll be posted to a ship as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer and issued with a Requirements Journal, which consists of a series of tasks that need to be completed to prepare for the Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency examination board, which typically occurs after 18 months of sea training. Achievement of the board qualifies you to be a Deputy Mechanical Engineer on a major warship and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer’s training.
At this point, you can expect to spend 2-3 years ashore before returning to sea for a 2-year posting as a Deputy, during which time you’ll achieve your Mechanical Engineering Charge Qualification (MCQ), which is the final qualification required to run a Mechanical Engineering department on a major warship. You can expect to do a further 2-3 years ashore before being promoted to Lieutenant Commander.