Automotive Technician jobs in Canada

Overview

As a military personnel, weapons engineering technicians are responsible for performing corrective and periodic maintenance activities related to weapon systems, communications, radars, and maritime navigation aboard ships.

Their main duties include :

• Monitoring and evaluating electronic equipment performance
• Using electronic diagnostic systems, special tools, and testing equipment
• Conducting diagnostic analyses on components and systems to identify failures
• Repairing defective electronic equipment to restore systems
• Inspecting, maintaining, and installing electronic components
• Writing test records and evaluation reports, compiling maintenance documentation, and reading / interpreting electronic schematics

The career of weapons engineering technicians mainly takes place aboard ships based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They participate in unique adventures and face challenges specific to maritime work, often working in tight spaces or on open decks to repair and maintain equipment.

Technicians typically work regular day shifts aboard their assigned ships. In addition to their regular tasks, subordinate weapons engineering technicians may perform other duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria, and assisting with supplies.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, you will be assigned to your first base after completing the required training. While there is some flexibility regarding postings, you should expect to relocate during your career. If you join the Reserve Force, you will serve via a specific reserve unit, working part-time usually one evening a week and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time employment.

Enlistment Programs

• Direct Enlistment Options
• Subsidized Study Options

This position requires candidates to have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, with applied mathematics (Math 426 or TS 4 in Quebec). Passing a physics course at any level is an asset.

The ideal candidate will have a college diploma or a 'Red Seal' for a related civilian profession. The CAF will evaluate your training and experience to optimize your progression after basic military qualification.

Foreign studies may be recognized.

Since this position requires specialized training, the CAF will pay tuition fees for recruits enrolled in an approved college program. Participants follow basic military training and summer on-the-job training. The full-time salary includes medical and dental care, paid vacations, and other benefits. In exchange for the subsidy, recruits commit to serving in the CAF for a specified period.

Interested applicants should apply through the CAF and the appropriate college. For more information, see the Paid Studies program.

Training

The initial training phase is the Basic Military Qualification Course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This physically demanding course teaches basic skills and common knowledge for all CAF professions.

Weapons technicians undergo theoretical instruction at the Naval School (Atlantic) in Halifax, followed by practical training in Halifax or Esquimalt. The training lasts about nine months, covering :

• Advanced studies in mathematics and physics
• Electrical and electronic theory
• Communication theory and applications
• Radar theory and applications
• Sonar theory and applications
• Naval weapon systems theory and applications
• Safety and handling of munitions
• Use of manual tools, electrical meters, and diagnostic equipment

Participants in the PIESMR program may undertake part or all of their professional qualification training at a college, university, or approved post-secondary institution.

Additional specialized skills courses may include :

• Videoconferencing terminal management
• High-reliability welding
• Explosive safety inspection
• Fiber optics

Followed by environmental training at the Naval School of the Pacific in Esquimalt or the Atlantic Naval School in Halifax, lasting about five weeks, covering tasks such as :

• Participating in force protection
• Damage control organization

Civilian Equivalent Jobs

• Electrical and Electronics Engineer
• Naval Weapons Engineering Technician
• Appliance Maintenance and Repair Technician