Overview
As a member of the military, Weapons Technicians maintain and repair weapons, weapon systems, and ancillary equipment. They are members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. They also are responsible for the maintenance and repair of miscellaneous equipment such as scales, hydraulic lifts, locks and security containers, personal flotation devices, rebreathers, and equipment for heating, cooking and lighting in the field.

Responsibilities

Rifles, submachine guns and handguns

Machine guns and non‑guided anti‑tank weapons

Sub‑calibre adapters

Training devices, including simulators

Grenade projectors, mortars, and launcher systems

Light weapons and turret systems for armoured fighting vehicles

Work Environment
Weapons Technicians are employed at bases and stations across Canada and on deployed operations around the world. They may work in small workshop spaces or outdoors in temporary accommodations. Regular Force members are posted to a base after completing training, while Primary Reserve members serve on a part‑time basis at a local Reserve unit with limited relocation requirements.

Entry Plans
No previous work experience or career‑related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help determine if a candidate’s interests and attributes match the role. The minimum required education is the completion of provincial Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math/Math 416/CST 4 and Grade 10 Science or equivalent. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training
The first stage is the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. Following this,



Weapons Technicians attend the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers School in Borden, Ontario for 35 weeks, covering:

Care and use of common and special tools and electrical test equipment

Operation and principles of weapon systems

Electricity and hydraulics

Use of firearms, pyrotechnics, and grenades

Maintenance of small arms, mortars, recoilless rifles, towed field guns, and turret systems for armoured fighting vehicles

Basic identification and handling of ammunition

Alignment of sighting devices

Test‑firing weapons

Knowledge of various ancillary equipment

Basic soldiering skills, including field craft, rescue techniques, and first aid

Operation of light armoured vehicles, armoured reconnaissance vehicles, and armoured personnel carriers

On‑the‑Job Training
Weapons Technicians are posted to a unit on a CAF base for about 18 months of on‑job training, resembling a civilian apprenticeship program. They may receive additional specialized training, including supervisor and manager courses (15 weeks and nine weeks, respectively), and advanced courses such as:

High security containers and locking devices

Leopard tank

GIAT light towed Howitzer

M777 medium lightweight towed Howitzer

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 a community military unit, may attend school or hold civilian jobs, and are paid during training. They are not required to relocate but may volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada. When employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at a military location within Canada and receive 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, a reasonable perks package, and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

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📌 Weapons Technician (Quebec City)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Quebec City