Airborne ordinance 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 aircraft armament systems, military fire arms, explosives demolition, countermeasures, guided missiles and general munition support for our fleet of aircraft.

This a varied 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.

Job on Base

As an Air Force Armament Technician, you will be responsible for maintaining and fault finding armament electrical, mechanical and pneumatic systems such as bomb racks and launching systems, rescue hoists, electronic control systems and guided weapons. You will also be required to manage stockpiles of pyrotechnics and explosives; and loading and arming aircraft weapons systems for operational tasks.  You will be expected to perform aircraft ground handling and aeronautical maintenance duties.

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, Number 5 Squadron, Number 6 Squadron (which includes duties on NZ Navy Ships) and EOD Squadron duties.

Job on Deployment

Armament tradesmen deploy in NZ and overseas to provide armament support to RNZAF Squadrons. You will be responsible for the serviceability of aircraft armament systems and for the preparation and loading 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 deploy on board NZ Navy ships, supporting helicopter activities.

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 deploy on Royal New Zealand Navy ships in support of seaborne helicopter operations, and to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron.

You are responsible for the personnel under their 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.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from your enlistment is $35,694. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $42,487 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• Applicants must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

A minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, Maths and a Science subject.

Aeronautical Engineering Course:
As a first step you will need to complete the full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Course with NMIT.  This is undertaken privately and is a prerequisite to joining the RNZAF. NMIT course fees will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course. 

RNZAF armament trade training is conducted at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, near Blenheim. Areas of training that are common to the Army, Navy and Air Force are being consolidated where certain aspects of armament training is conducted at Trentham Camp. 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal training and Explosive Ordnance theory and regulations are examples of common training conducted at Trentham Camp. Over time more generic training courses will be provided in this manner.