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Power Engineer
Energise our communications and ensure success on military operations by joining the Royal Signals as a Power Engineer. Are you ready to provide the lifeblood that keeps our troops and commanders connected on the information battlefield?
Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 36
Qualifications needed
GCSE or equivalent
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 11 months old.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec
Education
GCSE level 4/C, Scottish National 5 grade C, or above in Maths,
GCSE level 3/D, Scottish National 5 grade D, or above in English or level 2 equivalents.
Security Clearance Required:
CTC (Counter Terrorist Check)
SC (Security Check) at Phase 1 Training
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
As a Power Engineer, you will design, install, and maintain electrical power and distribution systems essential for our communications, ensuring our forces maintain Decision Advantage over our enemies around the globe.
Why Join Us?
Become an expert and engineer and maintain and repair a range of cutting-edge military power systems and electrical engineering technologies.
Get continuous personal and professional development, including civilian-accredited transferable qualifications and grow your expertise in electrical engineering.
Learn to drive and operate military vehicles ranging from Land Rovers and HGVs to fully armoured fighting vehicles
Learn to instruct and pass on your expert skills and knowledge
If you are passionate about powering critical communication systems and want to develop electrical engineering trade qualifications, join the Royal Signals as a Power Engineer.
Key responsibilities
Technical Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in deployed electrical engineering, using this knowledge to maintain vital communications links. Design and maintain electrical power and distribution systems crucial for our deployed headquarters.
Mission-Critical Support: Ensure that our communication systems are always powered and operational, providing reliable support for military operations.
Team Collaboration: Work alongside a dedicated team within the Corps, ready to deliver credible and agile communications worldwide.
Industry Standard Qualifications: Gain qualifications and expertise in electrical engineering principles to manage a range of in-service power systems.
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (Short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
This is the start of your technical training designed to introduce basic signalling and communication skills whilst building on your existing military skills. You will be taught basic principles and skills, such as siting, operating and talking on military radios, radio logs, map marking, working at heights, health and safety, and of course security.
As your career progresses you will study to become a Power Engineer at the Royal School of Signals in Blandford Forum in Dorset, where you'll learn:
electrical principles,
engine fundamentals,
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT),
IET BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations,
introduction to IET BS2391-52 Inspecting and Testing,
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS),
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC),
basic power planning and operation and use of hand and power tools.
With this new knowledge, you will learn how to supply, maintain and manage Electrical Power Systems using systems designed for military use and civilian bought off of the shelf items.
In addition to this you will study the management, maintenance and operation of the equipment used regularly by the Royal Signals. You’ll practice these skills in a variety of environments in conjunction with developing your leadership skills to allow you to fulfil the role of required of you.
You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career. Find out more about pay and benefits.
Driving licences: B+E, C+E
Level 2 functional skills in Maths, English and IT
Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
C&G 2377-22: Portable Appliance Testing
C&G 2391-52: Initial verification, periodic inspection and testing of electrical circuits and installations
C&G 2396: Design, Erection and Verification of Electrical Installations
IEE BS7671: Wiring Regulations (18th Ed)
IEC 60309 and BS1363: International Standards for plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for industrial purposes
Heating, Ventilation and Air Con (HVAC) – FGAS Certificates in Groups 1,2 and 3
Professional registration with Institute for Engineering and Technology (IET) at Eng Tech Level
Level 4 Team Leading
Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring
Level 6 Leadership and Management
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
No week is the same in the Royal Signals, one week you could be conducting a training exercise with Multi-National Forces in America, tackling the Machu Picchu trail in Peru as part of an Adventurous Training Expedition.
Royal Signals are everywhere the British Army are deployed providing essential communications support, as such the breadth of opportunities are limitless.
A typical working week after training in barracks and when not deployed on operations:
Monday: (Late start) Maintenance of Comms equipment ensuring it is ready for deployment. PT.
Tuesday: PT. Continuation training military or trade.
Wednesday: Equipment care and Sports.
Thursday: PT. Personal Development.
Friday: Comms kit check. CO’s PT usually finished by midday.
Rosie
Royal Signals
It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.
Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.
You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.
Rob H
Royal Armoured Corps
I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.
It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.
Steven R
Royal Logistic Corps
Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.
Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
Your future starts here
Every Power Engineer started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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