Air Weapons Systems Technician

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Overview

As a member of the military, Air Weapons Systems Technicians maintain aircraft air weapons systems. They also perform explosives storage and handling, and provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal duties for the Air Force.

Their primary responsibilities are to:

• Test, inspect and repair Air Weapons Systems
• Perform quality assurance checks
• Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data
• Perform aircraft handling tasks that include:
• Parking
• Towing
• Marshalling
• Starting
• Refueling
• Cleaning
• De-icing
• Loading/unloading weapons
• Weapons systems
• Operate aircraft support equipment

Work environment

Air Weapons Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, shop environments, and on flight lines. They may also perform duties onboard ships at sea or at deployed sites, and some duties in airborne aircraft. Employment can vary from Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) wings and bases within Canada, including the Arctic, to locations worldwide in response to international commitments.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completing all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While some flexibility with postings exists, accommodations can't always be guaranteed, so relocations are likely. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit, which will be your workplace on a part-time basis, typically working one night per week and some weekends, with potential for full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. CAF recruiters can assist in determining if your personal interests and attributes match this occupation.

The minimum education requirement is the completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 General Math or equivalent. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

The first stage is Basic Military Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, which provides core skills and knowledge. This physically demanding training ensures recruits meet CAF standards.

Air Weapons Systems Technicians then attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering in Borden, Ontario, for approximately 32 weeks, learning to:

• Utilize tools and test/support equipment
• Complete aircraft and AMSE records
• Perform flight line servicing
• Maintain aircraft weapon systems
• Perform loading/unloading operations
• Control explosives inventory
• Store explosives
• Maintain explosives and hardware
• Operate destruction areas
• Dispose of surplus and obsolete ammunition

Opportunities exist for specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Conventional Munitions Disposal (Advanced)
• Improvised Explosive Device Disposal
• Missile Maintenance Courses
• Air Weapons Range Specialist
• Instructional Techniques
• Aircraft Specific Courses
• Life Cycle Material Management

Career progression may include advanced training in areas like technical administration and leadership.

Part-time options

This position is available part-time with the Primary Reserve at various locations across Canada. Reservists serve part-time, usually up to 12 days per month, with opportunities for full-time service. They are paid approximately 92.8% of Regular Force pay, with benefits and potential pension contributions.

Related Careers

• Gunner
• Weapons Technician – Land
• Ammunition Technician

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology