Technicien·ne en génie des armes

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· ne en génie des armes role at Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes

Overview

As a military personnel, weapons engineering technicians are responsible for performing corrective and periodic maintenance activities related to weapon systems, communications, radars, and maritime navigation aboard ships.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and evaluating electronic equipment performance
• Using electronic diagnostic systems, special tools, and testing equipment
• Performing diagnostic analyses on components and systems to identify failures
• Repairing defective electronic equipment to restore systems
• Inspecting, maintaining, and installing electronic components
• Writing test records and evaluation reports, compiling maintenance documentation, and reading/interpreting electronic schematics

Work Environment

The career of weapons engineering technicians mainly takes place aboard ships based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They partake in unique adventures and face challenges specific to maritime work, often working in cramped spaces or on open decks to repair and maintain equipment.

Technicians typically work during regular day shifts aboard their assigned ships. They may also perform additional tasks outside their specialty, such as cleaning, painting, working in cafeterias, or helping load supplies.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, you will be assigned to your first base after completing the required training. While there is some flexibility regarding postings, not all requests can be accommodated, and relocations are possible during your career. If you join the Reserve Force, you will serve through a specific reserve unit, working part-time usually one evening per week and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time employment.

Enlistment Programs

• Direct enlistment options
• Subsidized study options

This position requires candidates to have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondary IV in Quebec, with applied mathematics (Mathematics 426 or TS 4 in Quebec). A physics course at any level is an asset.

The ideal candidate will have a college diploma or a 'Red Seal' for a related civilian profession. The Canadian Forces will evaluate your training and experience to optimize your progression after basic military qualification.

Foreign studies may be recognized.

Subsidized Education Program for Military Personnel (PIESMR)

Since this position requires specialized training, the CAF will pay tuition fees for recruits enrolled in an approved college program. Participants will undergo basic military training and summer on-the-job training. The full-time salary includes medical and dental care, paid vacations, and other benefits. In return, recruits commit to serving in the CAF for a specified period. Interested candidates should apply through the CAF and the appropriate college.

For more information, see the Paid Education programs.

Training

The initial training phase is the Basic Military Qualification Course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This course teaches fundamental skills and common knowledge across all CAF professions, including physical training to meet CAF standards.

Weapons engineering technicians undertake theoretical instruction at the Naval School (Atlantic) in Halifax, followed by practical training in Halifax or Esquimalt. The training lasts about nine months and covers:

• Advanced studies in mathematics and physics
• Electrical and electronic theory
• Communication theory and applications
• Radar theory and applications
• Sonar theory and applications
• Naval weapons systems theory and applications
• Safety and handling of munitions
• Use of manual tools, electrical meters, and diagnostic equipment

Participants in the PIESMR program may study part or all of their professional qualification at a college, university, or approved post-secondary institution in Canada. They may also acquire specialized skills through lectures or on-the-job training, such as:

• Side-scan sonar operation
• VTC terminal management
• High-reliability welding
• Explosive safety inspection
• Optical fibers

Subsequently, trainees attend environmental training at the Naval School of the Pacific in Esquimalt or at the Naval School of the Atlantic in Halifax, lasting about five weeks. Topics include:

• Performing general tasks in the naval environment
• Acting as part of the force protection team
• Participating in damage control organization
• Conducting survival exercises

Civilian Equivalent Jobs

• Electronic repair apprentice
• Qualified electronic repair worker
• Electrical and electronic engineer
• Naval weapons engineering technician
• Appliance maintenance and repair technician