Overview

You will be 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, and damage control in ships and submarines.

Main Benefits 

• Professional training provided for approximately 42 weeks 
• Opportunities for advancement

What They Do

Systems Engineering (MS ENG) Officers are responsible for the leadership and wellbeing of a large team of highly trained technical professionals to assure their equipment’s peak performance. The primary role of MS ENG Officers is to provide Engineering technical expertise, advice and leadership in support of the day-to-day 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 (design, development, acquisition, construction and disposal), and the maintenance of infrastructure needed to support Naval operations and missions in times of emergency, mobilization and war.

MS ENGs are also employed in a variety of shore-based positions providing expert engineering support or project management support to the continuous maintenance and renewal of the Fleet. Throughout their career, MS ENGs will provide leadership, development and personnel management for the occupations that support Naval Combat Systems Engineering activities.

Qualification Requirements

The primary degrees for those who wish to become MS ENGs are a Bachelor of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Most other Engineering degrees and many Science degrees are also acceptable.

Training

The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Initial Assessment Period (IAP) and Basic Officer Training Period (BOTP) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

Second language training is available following BOTP course; depending on the second language proficiency of the candidate, it may take from two to nine months.

On successful completion of BOTP, 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, after which MS ENGs attend several courses held at the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The first course, Naval Engineering Indoctrination, lasts 11 weeks and introduces the systems, equipment and personnel of the two engineering departments of the ships in the Fleet. This course includes seven weeks on board a major warship.

The next course, Marine Systems Engineering Applications, lasts 22 weeks and provides detailed instruction in the theory, application, operation, maintenance, personnel and management of Marine Systems Engineering in the Navy. On completion, officers join the ships of the Fleet for one year in order to consolidate their skills and knowledge of Marine Systems Engineering.

Working Environment

MS ENGs are employed in either ships or submarines, or at shore-based establishments that support the Fleet. In the Fleet, they serve as the Head of the Marine Systems Engineering Department. In this position, they are frequently required to work extended hours and are on-call around-the-clock. They deal with the mental stress of working with and leading a large number of personnel of varied training levels and backgrounds in a cramped, noisy, self-contained environment for extended periods and in all weather conditions.

In shore-based establishments, MS ENGs are employed throughout Canada and abroad. The range of employment is wide and involves present and future technological challenges in the Navy. For example, a Junior Project Engineer may be part of a new equipment acquisition project or a technical project within a Fleet Maintenance Facility. In addition, MS ENGs are employed in staff, training and administrative positions requiring engineering expertise.  

Opportunities For Advancement

MS ENGs are offered opportunities to further enhance engineering specialization through fully funded post-graduate education in Canada or abroad. Further promotions are based upon performance, potential and merit.

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