Avionics Technician (Aviation Electronics),
Apply Save

New Zealand Defence Force

Avionics Technician (Aviation Electronics)

  • Posted 2w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Starting at $69.83 k/yr

Job Description

Apply by 25 Aug 2025


As an Avionics Technician you will have the opportunity to work with modern electronic systems and a limited number of simple mechanical systems fitted to military aircraft. You will carry out all aspects of equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Whether you’re finding and repairing faults in aircraft on operations overseas, or working with our specialist equipment at maintenance facilities on base, being an Avionics Technician is an exciting and challenging role.


Requirements

Basics

Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.

Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.

Education

Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.


Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements


Fitness & Medical

You must be medically fit for service.

You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.


Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.


Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.


Basic Training

Recruit Course

(12 weeks) Location: RNZAF base Woodbourne


The aim of this course is to induct aviators into the RNZAF and develop the necessary values, knowledge and military skills to enable them to fulfil their military responsibilities. This course will cover various subjects including:


RNZAF culture, customs and protocol

Organisation and administration

Drill and parades

Dress, grooming and hygiene standards

Military law and the Military Justice system

Air Power

Military field skills

Field craft skills

Weapon training

First aid

Physical fitness and resilience

Leadership at the Lead Self level


Job Training

PRIMARY TRADE TRAINING


Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course


After your Recruit Course, you will complete a full-time 20-week Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course. This covers core knowledge and skills for aeronautical engineering, including:


Construction materials

Science

Workplace safety

Tools and machinery

Maintenance practices

Maintenance processes

Avionics Mechanics Course


This 45-week course covers:


Airworthiness Policy

Introduction to Aircraft and Avionic Systems

Avionic Principles

Avionic Systems including:

Avionic Integration and Display Systems

Aircraft Electrical Power Systems

Aircraft Lighting Systems

Aircraft Communication Systems

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Principles

Avionic Mission Systems

Aircraft Surveillance Systems

Aircraft Navigation Systems

Aircraft Auto Flight Systems

Aircraft Indicating and Recording Systems

Avionic Repair Skills including:

Interpreting Aircraft Electrical Servicing Diagrams

Using Avionic Test and Measuring Equipment

Servicing Aircraft Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS)

Avionic Ancillary Systems

Operating Level Maintenance and Routine Servicing

Technical Administration

Dangerous Air Cargo Awareness

Human Factors

During this course, you will also receive theoretical and practical training on the principles of operation of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, their components and systems. Training covers the inspection, fitting/ removal and maintenance of aircraft components, and provides an overview of aircraft structures, environmental control systems, hydraulics, fire protection, powerplant, propulsion and landing gear. You’ll be instructed on the use of maintenance documents and engineering publications.


On-the-job training


After graduating from the Avionics Mechanics Course as a junior Electronics Technician (AVMECH), you will be posted to technical units for just over a year. With the support of your Training Manager, you will consolidate your skills and knowledge with on-aircraft work experience. You'll complete your workbook by working across maintenance bays and gaining experience with different electronic components.


Ongoing training

ADVANCED TRADE TRAINING


Avionics Technician Course


Once you have finished your on-the-job training, you will be posted back to Woodbourne to complete a 12 week Avionics Technician which includes:


Technical Administration

Avionics Maintenance Skills

Avionics Systems Maintenance including:

Maintaining Aircraft Electrical Power Systems

Maintaining Aircraft Communication Systems

Maintaining Aircraft Surveillance Systems

Maintaining Aircraft Navigation Systems

Maintaining Aircraft Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems

Avionic Component Maintenance

Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance

Engineering Technical Administration

Once completed, you will be eligible to apply for a New Zealand Certificate in Aircraft Servicing level 3 (after around two years) and a New Zealand Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Applied Skills) level 4 after around four years.


Specialist Training

After primary and advanced trade training, a large variety of post-graduate training and experiential opportunities exist for further professional development. This includes specialisation training in technologies or aircraft systems, and generalist training where you can advance your knowledge in other technical or non-technical areas.


Specialist technical training depends on where you want to take your career. It can include aircraft replacement/upgrade project roles, avionic research, design and development roles, pursuing specialist technology (such as E3, software & technical support), instructor roles and technical management roles.


Non-technical training can include Defence Force management and leadership training or sponsored tertiary study through NZ universities or polytechnics.


Career Progression

As part of primary trade training, you will complete courses covering working in the aeronautical environment and providing you with basic trade skills and knowledge. After these initial training courses, you will be posted to one of the other Air Force bases to use this trade knowledge and practise these skills for approximately 15 months. Once you have gained this practical experience you will return to Woodbourne for advanced trade training that will fully qualify you as an Electronics Technician, and you will be posted to a Squadron or a Bay.


As you gain experience, you will be promoted and given greater responsibilities of managing aircraft maintenance, associated equipment, and personnel. Duties can include leading personnel, supervising teams performing repair work, instructing junior technicians, technical administration and engineering design roles. You will receive leadership and management training to perform your duties effectively.


Once you've completed your trade training, you can apply for the specialist role of Non Destructive Testing (NDT). NDT is the ability to test aircraft structures for defects without dismantling the structure. This specialisation involves using modern inspection methods, such as Ultrasonics and Infrared Thermography to look ‘inside’ aircraft structure. This skill is becoming more important as our aircraft evolve around composite structures (glass fibre, carbon fibre and Kevlar) rather than the traditional aluminium structure.


Electronics Technicians also have the opportunity to deploy on Royal New Zealand Navy ships to support seaborne helicopter operations.


Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.



In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:


  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Subsidised insurance cover

Benefits & Perks

  • 📈 Professional Development

Company Video

Are You an International Job Seeker?

Check if youʼre eligible to work in New Zealand before you apply - itʼs fast and free.

Get Your Free Visa Eligibility Check

Increase Your Hiring Chances

Let us create the perfect CV for this job!

Start Now
Report This Job