Materiel Acquisition and Support Officer Development Program

Looking for the leaders of tomorrow

Are you a dynamic and talented post-secondary graduate who is looking for a pathway to a successful career? The Department of National Defence has an opportunity for you!

The Department of National Defence Materiel Group is the country`s largest materiel manager and ranks as one of the largest business entities in the Canadian government. The success of the Canadian Armed Forces is intimately linked to the work accomplished by the Materiel Group.

We are looking for eligible university/college graduates to take part in our Officer Development Program (ODP).

Program details

The Materiel Acquisition and Support Officer Development Program is an entry level program where trainees start at one of the following classifications groups and levels: PG-02, EN-ENG-02, EG-03, EL-03 or TI-03 level. During the program, trainees complete various developmental phases that consist of a variety of courses, tasks and on the job training. Hands on experience enables trainees to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge to be promoted to the next classification level/pay incentive. Once trainees have successfully completed all developmental phases they are ready to graduate from the program and move on to a career within the Department of National Defence.

The five separate program streams are described below:

Purchasing and Supply (PG)

• The PG stream consists of two phases; each phase is normally twelve months and is based on performance, availability of training and completion of assignments. Trainees are required to complete a number of courses in the areas of project management, procurement and contracting, materiel management and so much more! At the end of a successful phase 1, trainees are promoted to the PG 03 level for the second and last phase of the program. Upon graduation, trainees are brought onto the regular workforce in an establishment position at the PG 04 level.
• The objective of the Program is to provide successful candidates with the necessary skills, knowledge and work experience to plan, negotiate and administer procurements contracts as well as manage inventories. These objectives are achieved by providing trainees with various professional procurement and materiel management work experience through exposure to various clients and suppliers, as well as structured developmental work assignments including but not limited to: Repair and Overhaul (R&O), National Inventory Control Point (NICP), Procurement & Contracting of Services, Minor Capital, Major Capital, and In-Service Support Contract (ISSC). These assignments are supervised by experienced supply chain professionals and augmented by formal classroom/ online training. These assignments also include written performance assessments and feedback by the assignment supervisor. To ensure training objectives remain on track, structured feedback opportunities are provided to our trainees through regular communication with their assignment supervisors and Deputy Program Managers.

Engineering (EN-ENG)

• The ENG stream consists of three phases; each phase is normally twelve months, based on performance, availability of training and completion of assignments. At the end of a successful phase 1, trainees are promoted to the ENG 03 level for the second and third phases of the program. Upon graduation, trainees are brought into the regular workforce in an establishment position at the ENG 04 level.
• The objective of the Program is to provide trainees with the necessary skills, knowledge and work experience to plan, implement and sustain defence materiel and equipment related projects and programs as Material Acquisition and Support engineers upon graduation. These objectives are achieved by providing trainees with various engineering work experience through exposure to the various stages the of equipment life cycle including acquisition, in-service support and disposal. This is done through structured developmental work assignments including but not limited to: Systems Engineering Management (SEM), Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and project management activities supporting a large variety of equipment fleets and systems. These assignments are supervised by experienced engineers and augmented by formal classroom and online training. These assignments also include written performance assessments and feedback by the assignment supervisor. To ensure training objectives remain on track, structured feedback opportunities are provided to trainees through regular communication with their assignment supervisors and Deputy Program Managers.

Engineering and Scientific Support (EG) and Electronics (EL)

• The EG/EL streams consist of three phases; each phase is normally twelve months, based on performance, availability of training and completion of assignments. Trainees are required to complete a number of courses in the areas of Systems Engineering Management, Life Cycle Materiel Management and so much more! At the end of a successful phase 1, trainees are promoted to the EG 04/EL 04level. Trainees will then be promoted to the EG 05/EL 05 level with the success of phase 2. Upon graduation, trainees are brought onto the regular workforce in an established position in the role of Life Cycle Materiel Manager (LCMM) or Integrated Logistic Support Officer (ILS) at the EG 06/EL 06 level.
• The EG and EL classifications are associated with three major business functions within the Materiel Group: Life Cycle Materiel Management (LCMM), Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), and Technical (Tech) support for repair, testing, and specialized engineering tasks. LCMMs and ILS officers are centralized in the National Capital Region. Note: the ODP EG/EL focuses on LCMM and ILS only.
• The LCMM support within the EG and EL community is critical to the procurement and continued in-service support of equipment that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) use every day. The LCMMs manage materiel in the CAF from the day an item is delivered through to its end of life and disposal. These tasks include:
  • In-service procurement support
  • Equipment and LCMM subject matter expertise support
  • Obsolescence management
  • Management of spares
  • Maintenance support
  • 3rd line repair and overhaul
  • Project management
  • Supply management
  • Configuration management
  • Technical documentation management
  • Calibration
• EGs and ELs working in ILS provide subject matter expertise to major projects to ensure that LCMM staff can maintain capital assets through their life cycle within the Materiel Group. Knowledge of the supply chain operations, procurement requirements, engineering processes, quality assurance, operators, maintainers and the LCMM function within the respective groups is key to the success of ILS practitioners.

Technical Inspector (TI)

• The TI stream consists of two phases; each phase is normally twelve months, based on performance, availability of training and completion of assignments. Trainees are required to complete a number of courses in the areas of Environmental Awareness, Process Audits, and so much more! At the end of a successful phase 1, trainees are promoted to the TI 04 level for the second and last phase of the program. Upon graduation, trainees are brought into the regular workforce in an establishment position at the TI 05 level.
• The Department of National Defence (DND) buys a wide range of Military Equipment from Defence Industry suppliers. To that effect, the DND Technical Inspectors assume the role of Quality Assurance Representatives, providing Government Quality Assurance services at assigned Defence Industry contractor locations to gain assurance and confidence that military equipment will be supplied in accordance with contract requirements.
• The work of a DND Quality Assurance Representative includes:
  • evaluating assigned Defence contractor quality management systems against standards such as ISO 9001:2015;
  • evaluating risk information and planning appropriate quality assurance surveillance;
  • performing quality auditing activities; witnessing equipment testing;
  • identifying and informing the contractor of non-compliance, assessing contractor responses and monitoring corrective action taken;
  • reviewing Certificate of Conformance and release documents;
  • providing technical, engineering, and materiel management support to National Defence Headquarters Equipment Management Program clients;
  • providing support to clients for military equipment undergoing repair & overhaul at assigned contractor locations; and
  • arranging Government Quality Assurance for product or services contracted outside Canada.

Education and language requirements

The following are the education credentials we are looking for in our candidates for each stream of the program. If you are thinking of joining our team, think ahead and orientate your studies. Please note that certain specializations may be sought based on the positions to be filled in any recruitment cycles.

Purchasing & Supply (PG) stream

A degree from a recognized post-secondary institution (university degree) and/or an applied degree from a recognized post-secondary institution (college) with a specialization such as; finance, business, supply chain and/or procurement. PG positions are mostly bilingual, requiring a minimum BBB language profile.

Engineering (EN-ENG) stream

Graduation with a degree* from a recognized post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position.

* The term “degree” refers to a baccalaureate, Masters or PhD in engineering as established by educational authorities.

OR

Graduation with a degree from a recognized international post-secondary institution in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, geological engineering, naval architecture or some other engineering specialty relevant to the duties of the position. This degree must be recognized by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

OR

Certification as a professional engineer in Canada with specialization in an engineering specialty relevant to the position.

All entry level ENG positions are currently English essential positions.

Engineering & Scientific Support Technologist (EG) stream

Graduation with a three-year program Technologist Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in a technology program such as: Marine Engineering Technology, Chemical or Chemical Engineering Technology, Naval Architecture Technology, Marine Engineering Systems Design Technology, Textiles, Clothing, Heavy Equipment, Aerospace Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology or other technologies relevant to the position to be filled. All entry level EG positions are currently English essential positions.

Electronics Technologist (EL) stream

A three-year Electronics Technologist Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution (college).  All entry level EL positions are currently English essential positions.

Technical Inspector (TI) stream

A Technologist diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution (college) in a 2 or 3 year Technology program such as: Electrical, Electronic, Aerospace, Mechanical, Maritime, Software and/or Industrial Engineering Technology, and more.  Depending on the geographical location of the position, language requirements will vary from English essential to bilingual BBB requirements.

Language of work

We have the opportunity to live in a bilingual country where English and French are equally official languages and where being functionally bilingual in both official languages offers some interesting career prospects for the long term. Most supervisory positions located in bilingual regions require a minimum of a BBB language profile.

Make this your career choice

We want you to choose the Materiel Group for a long career. This is a uniquely fast tracked program where you learn on the job, develop the necessary skills and knowledge to operate in a dynamic and challenging environment. Opportunities will be on your doorstep along the way to enable you to choose the career path of your choice.

Pay and benefits

Your rate of pay will vary depending on the stream for which you have been selected for and according to their respective collective agreement. View the rates of pay for the program’s streams below:

• Purchasing and Supply (PG)
• Engineering (EN-ENG)
• Engineering and Scientific Support (EG)
• Electronics (EL)
• Technical Inspector (TI)

As a DND civilian employee, you will also receive a comprehensive benefits package and pension.

You may be eligible for relocation assistance if you are joining the program as a first-time employee of the Federal public service. For more information, please refer to the Treasury Board's Initial Appointees Relocation Program. Relocation assistance for existing Federal public service employees is determined in accordance with the National Joint Council Relocation Directive.

Diversity, Inclusion and Employment Equity

The Government of Canada is committed to fostering a public service culture grounded in diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility. An inclusive workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated and respected, and where each person’s talents and strengths are fully developed and utilized. Representation matters! Creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued begins with self-declaration. Count yourself in and self-declare by identifying to which employment equity group(s) you belong to. Join us and be part of a modern, leading and performing federal public service! Apply today!

How to apply

Stay connected with the Canada.ca website to stay abreast of employment opportunities. You may also contact us directly if you have questions or to express your interest in our program. Contact us at the address below.

Contact us

For more information about the Materiel Acquisition and Support Officer Development Program, contact us at mat.odpinfo-infoppo@forces.gc.ca.