The Engineering Branch is the branch of the Royal Navy responsible for engineering, as a branch they have existed since 1837.
Naval engineers are in charge of the management and upkeep of ship-board machinery. Traditionally this included engines, motors, pumps and other mechanical devices, but modern engineers are now responsible for both mechanical systems and high-tech electronics such radar and sonar systems and nuclear-power plants.
Ranking When the corps was first created, there were three ranks for engineers: First, second, and third. Over the years this ranking system has changed several times: 1835 - First, second and third engineer. 1847 - Inspector of machinery, chief engineer; assistant engineer. 1886 - Chief inspector and inspector of machinery, fleet engineer, and staff engineer. 1903 - Standard executive rank titles with an "engineer" prefix. 1956 - "Engineer" prefix and rank branch distinction cloth removed finally making engineers indistinguishable from seaman officers.
Fields of expertise After graduating from university and receiving a basic training, naval engineer officers specialize in a particular field.
Marine engineer officer (MEO) - deals with the fuel, air, water, electrical, and propulsion systems including nuclear reactors for those appointed to submarines. Air engineer officer (AEO) - maintenance and upgrading of engines and electrical systems in aircraft. Weapon engineer officer (WEO) - ensures that weapon systems are working properly.
Students In 1863 engineer studentships were created. Today, there are several different student-scholarship programs available including the University Cadetship Entry, a competitive program in which students enlist and train at Britannia Royal Naval College before going to university.
References Engineer Officer, Royal Navy. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075442/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/static/pages/4746.html