Materials Technician

As a member of the military, Materials Technicians maintain and repair land vehicles and related equipment. Materials Technicians belong to the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Their primary responsibilities are:

• Welding
• Machining
• Painting
• Work with textiles, fibreglass and composite

Work environment

Materials Technicians experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with working in different environments. Materials Technicians are employed at bases and stations across Canada and on deployed operations around the world. While on a base, they may be working in small spaces, like a workshop. In the field or on deployment, they may work outdoors most of the time or in temporary accommodations. Their work usually supports Army units, but they may also work with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Materials Technicians – or Mat Techs for short – are the fabricators of the Canadian Army. They have the skills to repair or fabricate items so that land-based equipment can perform to its optimal level, both in training and on deployed operations.

Mat Techs are agile and able to conduct mobile repairs to vehicles and shelters in any environment, from the Northern Arctic to a desert location. Their jobs can have them making repairs on the frontlines.

Mat Techs develop skills in welding, machining, plasma arc cutting, sheet metal work, auto body repair and refinishing, as well as spray painting. They work with metals and composites such as the armour and internal protection on armoured vehicles, on lifesaving equipment like gas masks, as well as with fabrics such as canvas and PVC for military shelter systems.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416 / CST 4 in Quebec, and Grade 10 Science or equivalent.