Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer

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 its 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, addressing challenges of life at sea while leading a large team. In shore-based establishments, they are employed throughout Canada (primarily Halifax, Nova Scotia; Victoria, British Columbia; the National Capital Region) and abroad, with roles that include staff, training and administrative positions requiring engineering expertise.

Career postings may involve relocations, especially in the Regular Force. In the Primary Reserve Force, work is typically part-time with flexible postings and opportunities for full-time employment.

Entry plans

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 following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Regular Officer Training Plan

The CAF pays successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits receive a salary, medical and dental care, and vacation time with full pay in exchange for a service commitment. Candidates typically enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet and study subjects relevant to both military and academic careers. In rare instances, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian university; a case-by-case determination is made. If applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities if not accepted for ROTP.

Training

After enrollment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics include general military knowledge, leadership, regulations and customs of the CAF, basic weapons handling, first aid, and applied training exercises. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a key part of training. Training is offered in English or French and is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, second language training may be offered, lasting from two to nine months depending on language ability.

Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers attend courses at HMCS Venture in Esquimalt, British Columbia. The Naval Engineering Indoctrination course lasts 11 weeks, including seven weeks on board a major warship. The Naval Combat Systems Engineering Applications course lasts 28 weeks, focusing on theory, application, operation, maintenance, personnel and management of Naval Combat Systems Engineering. Upon completion, officers join fleet ships for one year to consolidate skills.

Specialized training opportunities may be available, including :

Advanced training may be offered to officers who demonstrate required ability and potential, with courses such as :

All Officer candidates in the Navy attend a nine-week Naval Environmental Training Program at the Naval Officer Training Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, including four weeks on board a minor war vessel to experience life at sea.

Related civilian occupations

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