Electronic-Optronic Technician (Land)

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Overview

Electronic-Optronic Technicians maintain, repair and modify fire control systems to ensure the accurate delivery of ammunition to the intended target.

Electronic-Optronic Technicians belong to the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The primary responsibilities of the Electronic-Optronic Technician is to:

• Inspect, test, identify faults in, adjust, repair, recondition and modify electrical, electromechanical, electronic, electro-optic and mechanical equipment, optical instruments, and control systems for weapons and missiles
• Repair surveillance and thermal observation systems
• Maintain vehicle satellite navigation systems
• Maintain fibre-optic systems
• Repair laser systems
• Maintain optical, electrical and electronic test equipment
• Repair portable and trailer-mounted power-generating systems
• Operate and maintain general-purpose and specialized tools and equipment
• Drive military-pattern vehicles

Work environment

Electronic-Optronic Technicians typically work at a base or station in Canada in a workshop. During field training and on operations in the field, they generally work in temporary or improvised workshops or outdoors. Electronic-Optronic Technicians are dedicated to the Army, but they may support Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy operations.

Entry plans

• Required Education
• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options
  

The minimum required education for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary IV in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416/CST IV in Quebec, and any science course at the Grade 10 level or Secondary IV level in Quebec. Foreign education may be accepted.

If you already have a college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the any required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.

Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCM STEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Basic military qualification – land course

After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a Military Training centre for the Basic Military Qualification – Land Course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:

• Army physical fitness
• Dismounted offensive and defensive operations
• Reconnaissance patrolling
• Individual field craft
  

Electronic-Optronic Technicians will attend the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers School in Borden, Ontario, for training specific to the roles and responsibilities of the Electronic-Optronic Technician. The training takes about 33 weeks but may be less for those with civilian qualifications in the field. Using a combination of classroom instruction, demonstrations and practical work, it covers the following material:

• Basic electrical and electronic theory
• Repair of electrical and electronic equipment
• Basic optical and optronic theory
• Repair of mechanical and optical equipment
• Repair of vehicle-mounted optronic and electronic devices
• Basic computer theory and architecture
• Repair of night-observation devices
• Repair of surveillance equipment
• Repair of surveying equipment
• Basic soldiering skills, including field-craft and battle-craft

On-the-job training

Electronic-Optronic Technicians are initially posted to a unit on a CAF Base for about 18 months of on-the-job training, which is similar to an apprenticeship program. During this period, you practice and build on your previous training. You are then eligible for additional training at the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers School to bring your knowledge, skills and experience to that of a civilian journeyman.

Electronic-Optronic Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Maintenance of the electrical, electronic and optronic systems of the Leopard tank
• Maintenance of artillery computers
• Air-conditioning equipment
• Simulators and trainers
  

As they progress in their career, Electronic-Optronic Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Maintenance of digital computers
• Maintenance of thermal sights
• Maintenance of advanced surveillance equipment, lasers, and fibre-optics
• Maintenance of simulators and trainers
• Maintenance of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS)
• Maintenance of Ground Based Air Defence
• Maintenance of Main Battle Tank (vice Leopard)
• Maintenance of TOW Missile Systems
• Leadership and tactics
• Supervisor-level training
• Manager-level training
  

Related Civilian Occupations

• Electronic Engineering Technologist
• Electro-Mechanical Technician
• Surveillance/Thermal Equipment Technician
• Optical/Optronic Technician
• Laser Equipment Technician