Air Drop Systems Technician

Canadian Armed Forces; Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Armed Forces seeks an Air Drop Systems Technician to oversee parachute systems, ensuring safety and supporting military airborne operations. Ideal candidates should have completed Grade 10 and be prepared to participate in parachute jumps, both in warehouse and field environments. This role offers unique opportunities, including deployment with elite parachutists and various military operations.

Qualifications

• Safety-focused in overseeing parachute operations.
• Willingness to participate in parachute jumps.
• Ability to provide technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Pack and maintain parachute systems for airborne operations.
• Support airborne operations actively across Canada and worldwide.
• Supervise maintenance and safety of parachute operations.

Education

Completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec

Job description

As members of the military, Air Drop Systems Technicians are the Canadian Forces go-to experts on a wide range of parachute systems and parachute-related equipment. They play a pivotal role in supporting airborne operations for Infantry Parachute Companies, Air Force Aerial Delivery Sections, Special Operations, and Search and Rescue.

As an Air Drop Systems Technician, your responsibilities are as diverse as they are crucial. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety of personnel by meticulously packing and repairing parachutes and related airborne equipment. You will provide technical guidance to commanders and staff, aiding in planning and executing airborne and airdrop operations. Your expertise will be vital to the success of these missions.

While primarily working in a warehouse environment to maintain parachute systems, you will also have opportunities to participate in field operations, including parachute jumps as part of your mandatory qualifications. The primary duties include:

1. Proficiently pack and maintain various parachute systems, including extraction, cargo, round/mass, and square/precision parachutes.
2. Utilize advanced equipment such as GPS-guided aerial delivery parachute systems.
3. Inspect and maintain sewing machine systems used in parachute upkeep.
4. Support airborne operations actively.
5. Operate within diverse parachute operations across the CAF, supporting Infantry Parachute Battalions, Air Force Aerial Delivery Sections, Special Operations, and Search and Rescue.
6. Investigate incidents and malfunctions related to parachute operations.
7. Supervise packing and maintenance of parachute systems and airborne equipment.
8. Maintain required parachuting qualifications.

Work environment

Technicians typically work indoors in temperature-controlled warehouses, but their role extends beyond these walls. They often participate in field operations, supporting parachuting activities across Canada and worldwide. Duties include reporting on parachute data, conducting maintenance, and participating in jumps.

If you choose the Regular Force, after completing training, you will be assigned to a base, with potential relocations throughout your career. Accommodations and postings may vary.

I'm Master Corporal Mark Dumaine from Detachment New Brunswick. I am an Air Drop Systems Technician with the Canadian Armed Forces parachute team, the Skyhawks. Our role is akin to parachute mechanics, maintaining and repairing parachute systems. We have unique opportunities, including parachuting qualifications, working with elite parachutists, and deployments globally, including with Special Forces and the Army Advanced Warfare Center.

Currently, I am the senior rigger for the Skyhawks, responsible for maintaining and repairing parachute systems and serving as a demonstrator. I've advanced through various parachuting courses, including jump master, instructor, tandem instructor, and master rigger courses. Traveling and performing across Canada, engaging with the public, has been a career highlight. The thrill of jumping out of a plane is indescribable and addictive.

Related Civilian Occupations

• Qualifications recognized by the Canadian Sport Parachute Association.

No prior experience or specific skills are required; CAF recruiters can assist in matching personal attributes to this role.

The minimum education requirement is completion of Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.