Overview

As a member of the military, Aircraft Structures Technicians are members of the air maintenance team who handle, service and maintain Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft and associated equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aviation life‑support equipment, aircraft structures and related components. They are skilled in metal and composite repair, refinishing, painting, machining and welding.

Responsibilities

- Inspect aircraft structures and related components
- Restore or repair defects using aircraft fastening hardware, ferrous and non‑ferrous materials, composite materials, chemicals, adhesives, paints and textiles
- Manufacture and install aircraft structural components for prototype projects
- Weld base metals, alloys and casting materials using oxyacetylene, electrical arc, inert gas and resistance welding techniques and equipment
- Manufacture original aircraft equipment, components or replacement items from base metals using special cutting tools, engine lathe and milling machines
- Fabricate and repair aircraft structures using composite, fibreglass, textiles, leather, plastic and synthetic components
- Conduct corrosion‑control inspections of ferrous and non‑ferrous materials
- Maintain life‑support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems
- Perform aircraft handling tasks, including parking, towing, marshalling, starting, refuelling, cleaning and de‑icing
- Prepare and maintain aircraft documentation and statistical data

Work Workplace

Aircraft Structures Technicians provide aircraft structural maintenance during Navy, Army and Air Force operations. Inspections and repairs are carried out on the aircraft; component maintenance is normally performed in a hangar or shop.



Technicians are usually stationed at CAF wings and bases across Canada, including the Arctic, and may be deployed worldwide in response to NATO and UN commitments.

Entry Requirements

- Completion of provincial Grade 10 (or Secondary 4 in Quebec) requirements, including General Math or Math 416 / CST 4
- College diploma preferred; CAF will determine whether the academic program matches training criteria for the job and may place the candidate directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training
- Foreign education may be accepted
- Eligible for the Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidised Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) – the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend a diploma program at an approved Canadian college and provide a full‑time salary, medical and dental care, and vacation time in exchange for employment with the CAF for a specified period

Training

The first stage is Basic Military Qualification (Basic Training) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruitment School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. The programme provides core skills common to all trades and includes a physical fitness standard. Following basic training, technicians attend Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario for common core training (8 weeks), then return for occupational training (26 weeks). The occupational training includes:





- Shop mathematics and the use of measuring tools
- Interpretation of mechanical drawings and blueprints
- Metallurgy and identification of base metals, alloys and composite materials
- Fabrication of aircraft parts and sheet metal repair
- Cutting and drilling operations
- Machining external and internal surfaces using engine lathe and milling machines
- Installation of non‑permanent fasteners
- Refinishing metal, synthetic and composite surfaces
- Identification of paints, sealants, epoxies and mixing agents
- Welding
- Aircraft servicing
- Maintenance of life‑support equipment, ejection seats, fire suppression and oxygen systems

Technicians may also pursue further specialised courses, such as:

- Quality Assurance – Special Metal Welding
- Advanced Composite Repair
- Technical Writing
- Non‑Destructive Testing
- Life Cycle Material Management
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Turning Centre
- CNC Machining Centre – Operation & Programming
- Helicopter Rotor Blade Repair
- Advanced Selective Brush Electroplating
- Aircraft‑specific courses
- Cryogenic Bulk Storage and Handling
- Recovery and Salvage Team Member

Advanced training may include Technical Administration and Leadership and Management courses.

Part‑time Options

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force wing in their community while attending school or working a civilian job. They are paid during training but are not required to relocate. Members may volunteer to move to another base or serve full‑time for short durations as needed.

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📌 Aircraft Structures Technician (Kitchener)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Kitchener