We provide vital – and highly valued – logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. A committed team of personnel makes sure the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are well supplied and well supported, providing medical care and transporting kit, fuel and other essentials all over the world.
We also provide humanitarian aid, undertake counter piracy patrols, counter narcotic operations, defence diplomacy; together with assisting in preventing conflict or safeguarding the flow of international trade as single units.
Why you should work for us
The RFA offers a fantastic opportunity for those that want to leave the Armed Forces but retain that camaraderie, sense of belonging and routine that they’ve become accustomed to.
Plus, we operate a Merchant Navy (MN) work / leave cycle, whereby employees work “4 months on, 3 months off”. During your leave period your salary will still be paid and you’ll be free to do what you like, whether that’s travel, find alternative employment, or just relax!
All employees are paid a competitive salary and entered into an industry leading Civil Service pension scheme.
Who we’re looking for
We’re currently recruiting for a wide variety of roles across the organisation, and are keen to bring Service leavers into the organisation at a level appropriate to your previous experience and qualification level.
We are actively looking for personnel who have qualifications in:
- HNC or above in Electrical Engineering
- Level 3 or Above in Electrical Engineering
- Small Arms Maintainers with an Electrical Background
- MJDI qualified Personnel
- Digital Network Engineers / CIS qualified Personnel
- RN Warfare Officers who Qualify for the MN Transition Scheme
- RN ME Officers who Qualify for the MN Transition Scheme
- Personnel with STCW Qualifications.
All of our available roles can be found online by searching for Royal Fleet Auxiliary on RightJob.
No Qualifications and still want to join?
We’ll train you in your new role! We offer industry leading apprenticeships and cadetships for all of our roles. RFA trained personnel are held in high regard in the Maritime Industry and if you decide that a sideways move is right for you, industry will snap you up once you’ve gained experience in your chosen role.
Case studies from previous Service personnel
3/O(X) RTO
Royal Navy Aircraft Controller
“Having been deployed on RFA Wave Ruler in the Caribbean with my flight conducting counter narcotics and hurricane relief, I saw what the RFA had to offer compared to the RN. The biggest draw being the leave ratio of 4 on, 3 off, as well as the standard of accommodation.
"The RFA has given me the ability to progress within the rank structure by taking part in the Rating to Officer Scheme, which has allowed me to train as a Deck Officer at Fleetwood Nautical Campus gaining Merchant Navy Certification as an OOW.
"Having a military background allows for a fairly easy transition as a lot of the routines or warfare aspects of the job are the same. The leave/work ratio then provides the chance for more forward planning of holidays and family events than I was able to achieve whilst serving.”
LHCIS Scott Haffenden
“My previous role was as an Operator Mechanic Communications (OMC) within the Royal Navy, working in the MCO, bridge tactical and weapon engineering department.
"As a father of two young girls, I joined the RFA because it offered me a better work/life balance that allowed me to spend more time with my family. The transition from the Royal Navy was seamless and there’s a real sense of familiarity in the way training is handled.
"I feel truly appreciated in my role and would definitely recommend the RFA as an excellent option to other Service leavers.”
First Officer Engineer G Loram
“With over 23 years’ service in the Royal Navy from a WEM(O) to CPOET(WE), I wanted to join the RFA to continue a working life at sea.
"The engineering divide in the RN is ME/WE, whereas the RFA divide is Mechanical (ME) / Electrical (SE), meaning there is a lot more equipment to look after and learn about, with a lot less people – similar to that of the commercial world.
"So, if you’re wanting a career that’s only a stone’s throw away from the RN, then the RFA offers just that – with good job security, a pension that is separate from your Navy pension (if you have one), and enough time off after every trip to allow you to enjoy your personal life.”