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Machinist

Air Force Machinist

Job Group

  • Airman

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

As an Air Force Machinist you’ll be a member of the ground crew, jointly responsible for all aspects of maintenance required to support RNZAF aircraft operations. Your duties will range from the manufacture and repair of aeronautical and non-aeronautical components to camp maintenance when the RNZAF deploys in New Zealand or abroad.

As your career progresses, you’ll be given greater responsibilities in maintaining aircraft and associated equipment. Senior Machinists are required to perform military command and leadership duties as team leaders. You may also be appointed as an instructor.

Pay & Benefit Details

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.

General Requirements

  • You must be 17 years or older on date of enlistment.

  • You must be a New Zealand citizen.

Educational Requirements

  • A minimum of 12 credits at NCEA Level 1 (each subject) in English, Maths and Science or Design Technology. NCEA Level 2 Maths, English, Physics preferred.

Fitness Requirements

  • You must be medically fit for service.

Period of Service

  • Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation as a Machine Tool Setter, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 24 months in the Air Force.

Training

Basic Training

Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:

  • Organisation and Administration

  • RNZAF Customs and Protocol

  • Drill and Parades

  • Military Field Skills and Weapon Training

  • First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques

  • Physical Fitness.

Job Training

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.

Your NMIT Course fees will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course.

Primary Trade Training

On completing the recruit course you start primary trade training on a 31-week full-time residential Machinist Course. This will provide you with the basic skills to become an Air Force Machinist and will be followed by around two years’ on-the-job training.

Advanced Trade Training

You will return to Woodbourne for your advanced trade training – the 22-week Machine Tool Setter and Operator Course. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be posted to an operational unit at either RNZAF Base Auckland or RNZAF Base Ohakea, where you will use your new-found skills to help keep the Air Force operating.