Marine Engineering Internal Combustion Engine Instructor (ZigZag)
JPAN: 2165026
Grade: Petty Officer/Chief Petty Officer (OR6/OR7)
Location: HMS SULTAN, Military Rd, Gosport, PO12 3BY.
Contract: Full time (40 hrs per week), 36-month contract. No Mobility commitment.
Security clearance: Security Clearance & Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Closing date: 02/03/26 23:55
All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency.
Overview
The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles.
This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.
ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.
Marine Engineers are pivotal to day-to-day operations. They ensure our state-of-the-art warships are powered, maintained and ready for action. Wherever they are, whatever the problem: they find innovative and resourceful solutions to complex problems. To achieve this, they require world class training to allow them to succeed when operating far from land and in challenging environments. This training is delivered at HMS SULTAN in Gosport via the Marine Engineering Training Group and its dedicated team of Royal Navy and Civilian Instructors.
The role
An Internal Combustion Engine Instructor is one of a team of instructors in the Power and Propulsion Group (part of the Marine Engineering Training Group, METG) delivering theoretical and practical technical training. Theoretical instruction provides the fundamental knowledge and skills to facilitate hands on operation, maintenance, diagnosis and repair. Practical lessons range from stripping down and rebuilding small diesel engines to running large marine diesel engines in Watt Hangar at HMS SULTAN.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver theoretical and practical instruction/examinations for Marine Engineering power and propulsion (diesel engine) courses.
- Act as Module Responsible Instructor as directed, maintaining up-to-date module content, training aids, assessments, and media.
- Carry out maintenance on training equipment as directed
- Manage Health and Safety awareness for students, including briefings and monitoring in classroom and training environments.
- Carry out Lockup duties as required.
- Invigilate and mark examinations as directed by the Senior Instructor in accordance with procedures and timescales
- Ensure trainee welfare, including duties, living conditions, and overall well-being; escalate issues to the Divisional Officer (DO) as required.
- Assist DOs with training reports and student records; recommend corrective actions for underperformance and report notable achievements.
About You
A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:
- Strong instructional and communication skills for delivering technical training.
- Leadership and mentoring ability to support trainee development and welfare.
- Excellent teamwork and collaboration.
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills in dynamic training scenarios.
- Technical expertise in marine engineering systems and maintenance practices.
- Previous instructional or teaching experience (desirable).
- Defence Trainer Course competence (desirable).
Successful candidates will need to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Training
- Royal Navy Initial Militarisation Course
- Defence Trainer Course. 8-12hrs online learning and 10-days residential (Defence Academy, Shrivenham) followed by lesson observations at HMS SULTAN.
- HMS SULTAN/Marine Engineering Training Group Induction programmes.
- Defence mandatory / Naval Core Training.
Salary & benefits
- Salary: £38,796.96– £55,005.60 per year depending on qualifications/experience.
- Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available).
- Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus 8 UK bank holidays.
- Other benefits: Free medical and dental care, childcare benefits, enhanced parental leave packages, and flexible service arrangements.
Application process
- Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.
- Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).
- Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.
Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People-Tx-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk.
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