Biomedical Electronics Technologist

Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time, Part Time

As a member of the military, Biomedical Electronics Technologists provide technical maintenance and repair support for medical and dental equipment used in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The primary responsibility of the Biomedical Electronics Technologist is to maintain medical equipment according to the specifications of both the Canadian Standards Association and the manufacturer. This includes a variety of medical devices, such as:

• Operating room monitors and devices;
• Intensive care unit monitors and devices;
• Emergency room monitors and devices;
• Medical laboratory equipment; and
• Diagnostic imaging equipment.

Work environment

Biomedical Electronics Technologists may work in a regional repair facility, at a Canadian Field Hospital, or an Advanced Surgical Centre, within Canada or around the world. They may also work on board a ship where they perform repairs and maintenance. They must make maintenance visits to medical establishments within the CAF on a regular basis.

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.

B.E. Techs are frequently on the road making regular maintenance visits to all Canadian Armed Forces medical establishments across Canada and overseas.

On completion of their military training, Biomedical Electronics Technologists get posted to a Canadian Armed Forces base for a full year of on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior Biomedical Electronics Technologist.

B.E. Techs are considered deployable as soon as they finish their year of on-the-job training, so they can expect to travel wherever there’s equipment that needs maintenance or repair. With so many Forces members in so many places, and with so many different kinds of equipment in use, they’re always going to be challenged to learn new skills.