Marine Systems Engineering Officer

Canadian Armed Forces; Esquimalt, Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Canadian Armed Forces as a Marine Systems Engineer, responsible for the operational readiness of vital naval systems. You will lead teams of skilled technicians, apply technical expertise in various naval operations, and engage in meaningful work that impacts national defense and maritime safety.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering is essential.
• Experience in naval systems is preferred.
• Leadership experience managing teams is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and operation of propulsion systems.
• Lead a team of technical professionals on naval vessels.
• Provide engineering advice for fleet operations.

Skills

Technical expertise

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

As a member of the military, Marine Systems Engineers are responsible for the readiness, operation, and maintenance of propulsion and ancillary systems, power generation and distribution, auxiliary systems, ship’s service systems, ship and machinery control systems, hull structure, ship’s stability, damage control, and the integration of these systems.

They analyze the state of their systems, equipment, and personnel, predict their requirements for naval operations, and advise Command accordingly. The primary role of a Marine Systems Engineer is to provide technical expertise, advice, and leadership in support of:

• Day-to-day naval operations and maintenance of marine systems in ships and submarines
• The continuous renewal of the Fleet through modernization and replacement of naval marine systems and equipment, including design, development, acquisition, construction, and disposal
• Maintenance of infrastructure needed to support naval operations and missions in times of emergency, mobilization, and war

Work environment

Marine Systems Engineers are employed in ships and submarines as the Head of the Marine Systems Engineering Department, where they are responsible for leading and ensuring the well-being of a team of highly trained technical professionals committed to peak equipment performance.

They may work in various roles supporting fleet maintenance and renewal, including providing expert engineering advice, project management, advising on new equipment acquisition, training, and administrative positions requiring engineering expertise.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completing all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility regarding postings, accommodations cannot 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.

Lieutenant Navy Alicia Schick: I'm Lieutenant Navy Alicia Schick from Pickering, Ontario, a Marine Systems Engineering Officer currently serving onboard HMCS Montreal.

A Marine Systems Engineering Officer is responsible to the Commanding Officer for the ship's technical state, overseeing systems that keep the ship afloat and operational. We have a team that manages these systems, including Marine Technicians with mechanical and electrical backgrounds, who perform rounds and maintenance to ensure proper operation, and technicians who maintain and rectify issues as needed.

My role is to translate technical information from technicians to the command team, making it understandable and relevant to operational decisions.

Marine System Engineering Officers also play a critical role in damage control, coordinating repairs from fires, floods, or explosions to maintain the ship’s operability and fighting capability.

We are responsible for essential systems like power generation, sewage treatment, and freshwater production and distribution. These are vital for the ship’s sustainability and crew’s well-being.

Leading a team of over 55 crew members on a ship with over 250 personnel, I find daily interactions with systems and team members rewarding, which helps me excel in my role.

My job has taken me across Canada and abroad, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Black Sea, allowing me to experience diverse communities and cultures.

After completing military and occupational training, Marine Systems Engineering Officers are posted to Canadian warships or submarines, typically sailing from Halifax or Esquimalt. The initial year involves gaining extensive system knowledge and basic leadership responsibilities, followed by shore postings and opportunities for further specialization and education.

Future educational pursuits might include engineering management degrees, supported by the military, to enhance career development.

The CAF evaluates university degrees for direct placement into training programs, with required basic and officer training before deployment.

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