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What They Do
Weapons Engineering Technicians are responsible for the corrective and planned maintenance activities of the weapons 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
Working 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 work with their fellow shipmates in out-of-occupation duties such as sentry or lookout duty, cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria and loading supplies.
Career Development
The starting salary for fully-trained Weapons Engineering Technicians is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Weapons Engineering Technicians who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression and advancement. Through promotions, Weapons Engineering Technicians can be assigned to higher-level technical maintenance responsibilities, including supervisory duties.
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. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Naval recruits attend the Canadian Forces Fleet School either in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:
- Naval history and organization
- Shipboard firefighting and damage control
- Shipboard Safety
- Watchkeeping duties
- Seamanship
Weapons Engineering Technicians attend Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia, and 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
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
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Canada. Foreign education may be accepted.
If you already have a college diploma, the Canadian Forces will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.
Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Education Program
