What They Do
Naval Combat Systems Engineers (NCS ENG) are responsible for the maintenance and operational readiness of combat systems in ships and submarines and for advising Command accordingly. 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 to assure their equipment’s peak performance.
The primary role of an NCS ENG 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
They 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 through in-service support organizations or Major Capital procurement projects. Throughout their career Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officers will provide leadership, development and personnel management for the occupations that support Naval Combat Systems Engineering activities.
Career Development
All NCS ENG candidates are enrolled at the rank of Naval Cadet. On completion of a degree and Basic Officer Training, the NCS ENG candidate is commissioned as an Acting Sub-Lieutenant. On completion of the required Professional Training and one year of commissioned service, the NCS ENG candidate is promoted to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant.
After three years of commissioned service and the confirmation of the NCS ENG qualification, the candidate is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (Navy). Further promotions are based upon performance, potential and merit.
Specialty Training
The NCS ENG occupation offers opportunities to further enhance engineering specialization through fully funded post-graduate education in Canada or abroad. For example, there is an ongoing need for Naval Combat Systems Engineers with a Masters degree in:
- Combat Systems Engineering
- Weapon System Engineering
- Underwater Acoustics
- Naval Architecture
There is also a need for Naval Combat Systems Engineers with several specialized skills including:
- Computer Software Management
- Guided Weapons Systems and Ammunitions
- Radar Systems Analysis
- Electronic Warfare
- Digital and Satellite Communications
Working Environment
NCS ENGs are employed in the ships and submarines of the Canadian Forces Naval Fleet and at shore-based establishments. In the Fleet, they serve as the Head of the Combat 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 stress associated with leading a large number of personnel of varied training levels and backgrounds in a self-contained environment for extended periods and in all weather conditions.
In shore-based establishments, NCS ENGs are employed throughout Canada, primarily in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Victoria, British Columbia; the National Capital Region; and abroad. The range of employment is wide and involves present and future technological challenges in the Navy. In addition, NCS ENGs are employed in staff, training and administrative positions requiring engineering expertise.
Related Civilian Occupations
Although this occupation has no direct corresponding civilian job, the experience, as well as the management, leadership and instructing skills acquired through normal occupational progression are applicable to a variety of fields, and are highly regarded by civilian employers.
Basic Officer 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. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership.
Basic Officer Training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training. 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.
Naval Officer Training
The second stage of training for all Naval Officer candidates is 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 onboard a minor war vessel for officers to experience life at sea. Professional Training The NCS ENG candidate then attends 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 Fleet. This course includes seven weeks on board a major warship.
The next course, Naval Combat Systems Engineering Applications, lasts 28 weeks and provides detailed instruction in the theory, application, operation, maintenance, personnel and management of Naval Combat 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 Naval Combat Systems Engineering.
