Engineers in the Armed Forces
SOE provides a dedicated membership service for Armed Forces personnel, and we can assist you with the support you need if you are in the forces, working for the MOD or making a transition to civilian life. Access to our streamlined Professional Registration schemes and guidance on your options is available to everyone.
How does SOE support Armed Forces personnel?
Explore the benefits of SOE membership and how we can support your career at every stage. If you are in the REME, as many of our forces’ members are, you can access personal development opportunities and guidance to suit your background and experience. Benefit from a tailored route to Professional Registration. These options are also available to members of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Claiming back your membership and registration fees from the MOD is straightforward, simply pay your fees, request a receipt and use 2021DIN01-077, which can be found here, to be reimbursed each year.
Professional Registration
Our Armed Forces members benefit from a tailored route to Professional Registration.
The Engineering Technician (EngTech) qualification proves your skills in development, production and maintenance of all kinds of equipment, vehicles, product, plant and process machinery.
EngTechs also take on supervisory and management roles, and contribute to improving design, maintenance and manufacturing in your sector.
Incorporated Engineers (IEng) manage and maintain applications of current and developing technology, and are involved with design, development, manufacture, construction and inspection. Those with IEng perform vital roles and have influence within industry.
Chartered Engineers (CEng) is the highest level of Engineering Council qualifications. Chartered Engineers work to develop solutions to complex engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity and embracing new ideas.
Choose your appropriate membership grade and join SOE today. Make sure to tick the box stating that you are a member of the Armed Forces.
Hear from our members
I have been a member of Cornwall Centre IRTE for 30 years and very privileged to be Honorary Secretary for the past 23 years. In my time with the IRTE I have visited many great places, organisations and manufacturers and received brilliant presentations from numerous professionals delivering transport and engineering related topics. None of these great experiences would ever...
I have been a proud member of SOE since 2007 and have actively supported the institute through volunteer roles since 2022. I am passionate about the vital work the SOE undertakes to raise and maintain professional standards across the BES sector and beyond. My contributions include coaching and mentoring candidates through the professional registration process, reviewing applications, and conducting...
My involvement with SOE has been extremely positive and rewarding. As a member of both the IRTE Professional Sector Council and the Membership and Professional Standards Committee, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the organisation while supporting and guiding fellow engineers.
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Membership FAQs
Have questions about SOE membership? Find answers here about benefits, membership levels, and more.
- What are the benefits of SOE membership?
Members gain access to professional recognition, CPD content and our CPD Hub to track activity, technical publications, events and webinars, mentoring opportunities, and a strong professional network.
- What types of membership are available?
The SOE offers a range of membership grades, including Student, Apprentice, Graduate, Associate, Member and Fellow. Each is designed to reflect different career stages and levels of experience, helping you join at the right point and progress over time.
- How do I become a member of SOE?
Once you have determined which of our SOE membership grades align with your career stage, you can join online here.
- How does SOE support professional development and CPD?
Members have access to the SOE CPD Hub, technical articles, member publications, events, webinars and conferences. These resources are designed to support lifelong learning, help members maintain professional standards, and keep skills up to date.
- Can SOE membership support Professional Registration?
Yes. The SOE is licensed by the Engineering Council to support Professional Registration, including EngTech, IEng and CEng, as well as by Society for the Environment to award CEnv and REnvP. Members receive guidance, mentoring and resources to help them prepare for and progress through the registration process.
- How do I get involved once I join?
Members can engage with their relevant Professional Sector, their local regional centre, attend events or take advantage of volunteering opportunities, join our Mentoring Programme and contribute to publications or working groups. Getting involved helps members expand their network, share knowledge and actively support the profession.