Defence Systems Engineering Technician Program

Niagara College Schools Technology Program Defence Systems Engineering Technician

About this program

Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
Campus: Welland
Code: 0748 P0748
Delivery Length: 2 Years

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Who are you?

I am a domestic applicant. *
I am an international applicant.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.

Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!

Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements. Official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation and proof of English proficiency will be required.
Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting International applications, and what start dates are available.
For next steps in the application process please visit international.niagaracollege.ca/how-to-apply/.
Complete an application online through our Online Application Form.
Niagara College will send you or your agent a confirmation of receipt via email within 48 hours of receiving your application.

* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.

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Overview

Do you want a chance to design and build robotic and autonomous systems – drones for air, land and sea? Imagine developing a real-world prototype used for search and rescue missions, public safety operations, and national monitoring – supporting communities and contributing to Canada’s security, sovereignty, and partnerships abroad.

Maybe you prefer to work on cutting-edge defence and marine robotic systems, building drones that assist emergency services, support public safety, and help protect people. Staying on the edge of technology has never been more important. Autonomous drones now operate in the air, on land, and underwater. Once science fiction, these technologies are now essential.
From aerospace, advanced manufacturing and environmental imaging to civil defence, public safety, and healthcare, the application of advanced sensing, robotics, and electro-optical technologies power systems that keep our world moving and into the future. The world needs skilled technicians like you. Start building what comes next at NC’s Drone Factory – The sky is not your limit.

Highlights

Hands-on experiential learning building and flying drones, terrestrial rovers, and submersible robots in cutting-edge labs.
Expert instruction to build payloads and flight systems including GPS, cameras, sensors and Lidar.
Design, model, make and build in our drone factory: 3D modelling, 3D printing, laser-cutting, soldering, and fabrication.
Gain advanced skills in mechanical, electronic, and photonic (optic, laser) systems, built on over 25 years of NC’s leadership in photonics education.
Opportunities to participate in applied industrial research.

Career Opportunities

Aerospace manufacturing industry
Defence sector
Marine robotics sector
Public safety and emergency services
Agriculture and entertainment sectors
Electro-optical technician
Mechatronic technician
LiDAR technician
Automated optical inspection and quality systems
Drone systems and operations

Learn more about Defence Systems Engineering Technician:

Drone safety – drone safety
Military use of drones, 3D printers to counter improvised explosive threats – www.cbc.ca
Drones in the Canadian Arctic – national aerial surveillance program
NATO Counter-drone technology – NATO Counter-drone technology
Forest fire-fighting with drones – forestnet.com

Courses

Term one (2026 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1111	Digital Literacy for Learning and Technology	5
COMM1120	Introduction to Writing and Communicating in the Workplace	3
DSET1100	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology I	6
MATH1134	Mathematics I for the School of Technology Studies	4
MECH1228	Measurement, Dimensioning and Tolerancing	3
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2027 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1214	Computer Aided Design	3
COMM1430	Technical Communications	3
DSET1200	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology II	6
MATH1231	Mathematics II for Technicians and Technologists	4
PHTN1232	Optical Systems and Laser Technology	6
Elective Information
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2027 Fall)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CAPT1315	Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing	3
COMM1308	Understanding Society: Communication Model	3
DSET1300	Integrated Systems for Robotic Drone Technology III	6
DSET1323	Wireless Communications Technology	5
PHTN1334	Fibre Optic Applications	5

Term four (2028 Winter)
Code	Course Name	Credits
CYBR1401	Cybersecurity Concepts and Practices	4
DSET1400	Defence Technology Manufacturing Project	6
PHTN1305	Optical Test and Measure	4
TECH1400	Professional Practices and Ethics for Defence Technology	3
TECH1401	Quality and Manufacturing Practices	5

Learning Outcomes Term: 1264

Operate and maintain mechatronic systems for defence and civilian use to support reliable system performance.
Manufacture, operate, and test photonic components and subsystems to meet specified performance and quality requirements.
Assemble and integrate electronic subsystems and sensors into complex systems to support operational requirements.
Fabricate and test mechanical components to meet operational, environmental, and performance requirements.
Adhere to workplace health and safety standards to minimize risks during the setup, operation, and maintenance of complex technical systems or equipment.
Assemble, install, operate, and configure Complex Integrated Systems (CIS) in compliance with regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Follow quality control and assurance procedures during manufacturing and testing to achieve compliance with industry standards and organizational requirements.
Produce technical drawings and documentation for mechanical, electronic, or photonic systems to support production, integration, and maintenance activities.
Select, configure, and deploy digital systems to secure communications within complex, integrated operational environments for defence and civilian applications.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):

English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent

Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)

Program Requirements

Computer/Technology Requirements

Required Minimum:

Workstation grade laptop system running an updated 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 11 operating system.
512GB SSD storage
16 GB RAM
4 GB GPU and DirectX 11 compliant.
Wireless network adapter (Integrated or Peripheral).
Video camera, microphone and speaker system (Integrated or Peripheral).
Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
Intel Core Ultra 5

Recommended:

Professional/Workstation grade laptop system running an updated 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 11 operating system.
1TB SSD storage
32 GB RAM
8 GB GPU and DirectX 11 compliant.
Display Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K); Preferred scaling: 100%, 125%, 150% or 200%
Intel Core Ultra 7

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 11 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply

International Applicants Apply

Legendfor intake status table

Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

Tuition

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Year: 2025-2026

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $3,077.69

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,269.20
Material Fees	$451.00
Level one Total	$3,077.69

Level two $2,296.69

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$939.20
Material Fees	$0.00
Level two Total	$2,296.69

Year 1 Total: $5,374.38

Year 2

Level three $2,629.69

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$1,209.20
Material Fees	$63.00
Level three Total	$2,629.69

Level four $2,643.69

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$407.00
Level four Total	$2,643.69

Year 2 Total: $5,273.38

Estimated Program Total: $10,647.76

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To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition and estimated fees for International students are based on program type.

Year: 2025-2026

Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1

Level one $10,480.20

Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$2,019.20
Material Fees	$686.00
Level one Total	$10,480.20

Level two $8,949.20

Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$939.20
Material Fees	$235.00
Level two Total	$8,949.20

Year 1 Total: $19,429.40

Year 2

Level three $10,032.20

Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$1,959.20
Material Fees	$298.00
Level three Total	$10,032.20

Level four $9,296.20

Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type	Fee Cost
Tuition	$7,775.00
Ancillary Fees	$879.20
Material Fees	$642.00
Level four Total	$9,296.20

Year 2 Total: $19,328.40

Estimated Program Total: $38,757.80

We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.

Access over $200,000 in scholarships and awards.

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

Costs and Dates

General information about other costs, due dates, refund policy, housing costs, and more can be found on the Niagara College International website.

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