Armament Technician,
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New Zealand Defence Force

Armament Technician

  • Posted 2w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Starting at $69.83 k/yr

Job Description

"Turn your passion for technology, weapons systems and hands-on engineering into an exciting career as an RNZAF Armament Technician, maintaining cutting-edge military equipment, supporting aircraft operations at home and overseas, and gaining world-class technical skills in a role where no two days are the same."


Armament Technician

From guided missiles to explosives, this is your opportunity to understand and maintain some of the world’s most awesome weapons systems.


Mō te tūranga


About the role

Specialisations


Engineering & Technical trades


Entry type


General entry


Under training


$69,833


Location


Varied


Airborne ordnance and armament equipment are the materials that convert aircraft from work vehicles into combat weapons. Being an Armament Technician in the Air Force is demanding and carries great responsibility. This varied role includes being responsible for maintaining military firearms, explosives demolition, countermeasures, guided missiles and general munitions support for our fleet of aircraft.


This is a role that provides a diverse work environment from working within a component servicing bay to the set-up and control of an air weapons range.


Accepting Applications


Recruit 2/27, starts 25 May 2027

Apply by 04 Nov 2026


Apply Now


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



Citizenship


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

Find out if you’re eligible here.


Period of Service

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 2 years in the Air Force. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training.


We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.


Job on base

As an Air Force Armament Technician, you will be responsible for maintaining and fault finding explosive ordnance. You will also be required to manage stockpiles of pyrotechnics and explosives; and the provision of air ordnance to the aircraft for operational tasks.


The servicing, storing and testing of the full range of military firearms will be an essential part of your trade, as will the issuing of ammunition and maintenance of ground weapons ranges.


During your career, you will be given opportunities to work in Base Armament and Munitions Preparation Sections in support of military air operations (which includes duties on NZ Navy Ships) and EOD Squadron duties.


Job on deployment

Armament Technicians deploy in NZ and overseas to provide armament support to RNZAF Squadrons. You will be responsible for the preparation of aircraft weapons and munitions. You will also be responsible for the storage, handling and transport of explosives and the care, maintenance and security of personal weapons.


As an EOD operator you may also be tasked with EOD duties within a Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal environment.


Armament Technicians support NZ Navy ships, supporting helicopter activities. You may also deploy in support of 40 Squadron (C-130 Hercules) and 3 Squadron (A109 and NH-90 helicopters).


Career progression and training


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


AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE


After your Recruit Course you will complete a full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. This course covers:


  • Personal Qualities and Attitudinal Expectations in the Aviation Workplace,
  • Aviation Workplace Safety,
  • Aeronautical Engineering Trade Science and Administration,
  • Aeronautical Engineering Tooling and Processes,
  • Maintenance Practices.
  • This course is a requirement for all technical trades within the RNZAF and sets you up well for your career as an aviation technician.


PRIMARY TRADE TRAINING


The Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course is followed by a 27-week full-time Armament Mechanic course, also at Woodbourne. This course will provide you with the fundamental skills to become an Armament Mechanic. After completing the course, you’ll return to an operational unit on either RNZAF Base Auckland or Ohakea to consolidate your skills in the workplace before commencing your Armament Technician Course. It is during this time that a typical Armament Mechanic will be moved around different work areas in order to provide them with a wide grounding in Armament skills before commencing their Technicians training.


ADVANCED TRADE TRAINING


The Armament Technician Course is a 13-week fulltime course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne that will further develop your skills as an RNZAF Armourer. After graduating, you will return to a base as a qualified tradesperson.


Ongoing Training


As your experience grows, there are a number of post graduate courses to focus your talents in various specialised fields. These courses include; Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Range Safety, Examiner and Inspector of Explosives and Explosive Facility Test Certifier.


Career Progression


As you gain experience and progress within your trade, you will be appointed to positions where you will be responsible for the supervision of Squadron armament sections, armament component servicing bays or munition preparation areas. Armament Technicians are also required to work in technical administration sections to ensure that airworthiness standards are maintained on the Squadrons and in the RNZAF as a whole.


The opportunity also exists for Armament Technicians to support Royal New Zealand Navy ships in support of seaborne helicopter operations, to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron, and to the Defence Munitions Management Group.


You are responsible for the personnel under your command, including the assessment of personnel performance, mentoring, personnel development planning, and the maintenance of discipline. You will also be responsible for compliance with munitions and weapon security regulations.


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
  • Salary & benefits


Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.


Under training


$69,833


Future potential earnings


$100,996


Benefits & Perks

  • 📈 Professional Development

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