Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer

Join to apply for the Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer role at Canadian Armed Forces | Forces arm e9es canadiennes.

Overview

As a member of the military, Naval Combat Systems Engineers maintain combat systems in ships and submarines. They are responsible for the leadership and wellbeing of a large team of highly trained technical professionals who perform the systems analysis, fault-finding and maintenance of equipment to ensure peak performance.

The primary role of the Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer is to provide technical expertise, advice and leadership for the operation and maintenance of the following naval combat systems:

• Above water and underwater warfare systems and their ammunition
• Above water and underwater sensor systems
• Navigation systems
• Communication systems
• Command and control systems
• Data processing systems
• Electronic warfare systems

Work environment

Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers are employed in the ships and submarines of the Forces Naval Fleet and at shore-based establishments. They serve as the Head of the Combat Systems Engineering Department and lead a large number of personnel. In shore-based establishments, Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers are employed across Canada, primarily in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Victoria, British Columbia; the National Capital Region; and abroad. The range of employment is wide and involves understanding present and future technologies. They are employed in staff, training and administrative positions requiring engineering expertise.

If you choose Regular Force, after completing required training you will be assigned to your first base. There is some flexibility with postings, but accommodations cannot always be guaranteed, and you may move at some point in your career. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will join through a Reserve unit and work part time outside training, typically with one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the CAF will assess whether your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Regular Officer Training Plan

Due to the requirement for CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF may pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career. In rare cases, based on CAF needs, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian University. A determination will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice should you not be accepted for ROTP.

Training

After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, leadership principles, CAF regulations and customs, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Training exercises will apply these military skills in areas such as force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered. Training could take from two to nine months depending on language ability.

Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers attend courses at HMCS Venture in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The first course, Naval Engineering Indoctrination, lasts 11 weeks and introduces the systems, equipment and personnel of the two engineering departments of the Fleet. This course includes seven weeks on board a major warship.

The next course, Naval Combat Systems Engineering Applications, lasts 28 weeks and provides instruction in the theory, application, operation, maintenance, personnel and management of Naval Combat Systems Engineering. On completion, officers join the ships of the Fleet for one year to consolidate skills and knowledge.

Naval Combat Systems Engineers may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Computer software management
• Guided weapons systems and ammunition
• Radar systems analysis
• Electronic warfare
• Digital and satellite communications
• Cyber security

As they progress in their career, Naval Combat Systems Engineers who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Combat systems engineering
• Weapon system engineering
• Underwater acoustics
• Naval architecture

All Officer candidates in the Navy attend a nine-week Naval Environmental Training Program held at the Naval Officer Training Centre in Victoria, British Columbia. This course introduces the naval environment and includes four weeks on board a minor war vessel for officers to experience life at sea.

Related Civilian Occupations

• No directly related civilian jobs

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

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