How does a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering benefit my career?
When you apply to study at RMC, you are not just applying for university—you are applying for a job in the military. With a direct line from ECE to a variety of careers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, a degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering ensures that you will have professional field waiting for you when you graduate.
A baccalaureate in Electrical or Computer Engineering is a preferred degree for many military classifications. In today’s military you will find yourself working with systems made up of computers, software, and electronics, no matter what your occupation. Having the knowledge and skills to work with these systems gives you the background necessary to advance in your chosen field.
Aerospace Engineering Officer
The Aerospace Engineering Branch is in critical need of Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates. Modern warplanes have more electrical and computer engineering investment than all other engineering disciplines combined. They are packed full of computer software, radar systems, weapons, navigation systems, and electronic warfare systems. These are what make an airplane a warplane.
Communications Electronics Engineering Officer and Signals Officer
The Communications and Electronics Branch is all about Electrical and Computer Engineering. The military of today, and of the future, thrives on information. As information moves onto computer networks, the military must develop some of the most advanced communications systems in the world, as well as cope with the evolving nature of cyber warfare. The Canadian military never deploys without the ability to use and monitor mobile radio networks, satellite communications, and cell networks. Electrical and Computer Engineers are the architects of these modern battlefields.
Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer
Naval Combat Systems are Electrical and Computer Engineering systems. The key elements of NCS are weapons systems control, combat information networks, and electronic warfare systems. An NCS Officer at sea is responsible for understanding and maintaining the fighting capability of the ship. And as an NCS Officer, you will need a deep understanding of these complex systems—because they are what make a ship a warship.
Maritime Systems Engineering Officer
On a ship at sea, the Marine Systems Officer is responsible for the provision and distribution of electrical power aboard the vessel. In modern warships, this involves computer-controlled smart grids with highly redundant distribution. Going forward, many next generation warship designs are based on all-electrical vessels. The design and management of shipborne networks is complex and requires officers with a deep understanding of Electrical and Computer Engineering skills.
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer
Military combat vehicles rely heavily on advanced electronic and computer-based systems. These systems do everything from controlling fuel flow and electronic ignition to providing computer-assisted stabilization of a gun turret; weapons systems use advanced electro-optics and computer-based targeting; radar sensor systems provide defensive cover and the targeting information needed to strike. The foundations of combat vehicle capabilities are their electronic and computer software-driven control systems. EME Officers who understand the design and operation of these systems are needed to create an effective fighting force, as well as to develop the combat vehicles of the future.
Air Combat Systems Officer
The systems in the aircraft that ACS Officers interact with are primarily electrical and computer systems driven by complex, specialized software. As an ACS Officer, you need to understand the application of electromagnetics to the function of navigation systems, radar systems, and electronic warfare defense. On maritime patrol, you need to understand how sonar signals can be used to identify and locate a hidden submarine. All of these systems require complex software control. Electrical and Computer Engineering gives ACS Officers an edge in air combat.
Pilot
As a pilot, you are constantly interacting with the electronic systems and computers that make up so much of a modern aircraft. Today’s air war—and the air war of the future—is a sensor war: whoever sees first shoots first. This is true in the air, against ground targets, and against undersea targets. Understanding and manipulating your sensor and weapons systems gives you a leg up in any fight. This is especially true in electronic warfare, which is becoming more important than ever in the modern air battle space
Is your military occupation not listed above?
That’s no reason to avoid pursuing Electrical or Computer Engineering. In today’s military, it is almost certain that regardless of your occupation, you will work with complex systems made up of computers, software, and electronics. A degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering can be an asset in any field.