Weapons Engineering Technician

Overview

As a member of the military, Weapons Engineering Technicians are responsible for the corrective and planned maintenance activities of the Weapons, Communications, Radar and Marine Navigation systems onboard a ship.

The primary responsibilities of Weapons Engineering Technicians are to:

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of electronic equipment
• Operate electronic diagnosis systems, specialized tools and test equipment
• Perform diagnostic analysis on components and systems to identify faults
• Repair faulty electronic equipment to restore system function
• Inspect, maintain, and install, electronic components
• Compile test logs, evaluation reports, equipment maintenance documentation and read and interpret electronic drawings

Work environment

Weapons Engineering Technicians spend much of their career on board ships with “home ports” in either Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with work at sea, such as working in small spaces, on open deck surfaces repairing and maintaining equipment and a rotating shift or watch system.

Weapons Engineering Technicians usually work the regular day shift on board a ship they are assigned. In addition to their usual duties, subordinate Weapons Engineering Technicians perform out-of-occupation duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria and loading supplies.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including minimum Grade 10 Applied Math (Math 426 or TS 4 in Quebec). It is an asset to have a Physics course at any level.

The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian occupation, the CAF will assess your training and experience and optimize your progression following basic training.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP)

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or “Basic Training,” held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades occupations in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits meet the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Weapons Engineering Technicians will attend academic training at Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax Nova Scotia prior to proceeding on applications training. Applications training can be completed either in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Both the academic and applications training will take approximately 9 months to complete, it includes:

• Academic upgrading (primarily mathematics and physics)
• Electrical and Electronics theory
• Communications theory and applications
• Radar theory and applications
• Sonar theory and applications
• Shipboard weapons systems theory
• Ammunition handling and safety
• Use of hand tools, electrical meters and diagnostic equipment

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, other postsecondary establishment.

Weapons Engineering Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Side Scan Sonar Operation
• Video Conferencing Terminal Maintainer
• High Reliability Soldering
• Explosives Safety Inspection
• Fibre Optics

Naval recruits attend the Naval Environmental Training Program at the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or the Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

• Perform General Duties in the Naval Environment
• Perform as a Member of the Force Protection Team
• Perform as a Member of the Damage Control Organization
• Carry Out Survival Drills

Related Civilian Occupations

• Electronics Repair Apprentice
• Electronics Repair Journeyman
• Electrical and Electronics Engineer
• Marine Weapons Engineering Technician
• Appliance Service and Repair