One of the key differences between the Navy’s warships and a commercial ship is the advanced weapons and sensor systems onboard. You are the ship’s electronic experts and given the importance of electronic technology onboard, you will make a vital contribution towards the ship is ready to complete operations and provide a ‘fight’ capability. You will help to maintain an extensive range of cutting edge, technologically advanced systems.

You will join the Navy as a general Electronic Technician, gain and understanding of the ship’s weapon and sensor systems before deciding on your specialisation as an Electronic or Weapon Technician during your Leading Hands Professional Course.

As an Electronic Technician our work will involve testing, maintaining and repairing the ships electronic equipment including the command and control system, data and satellite communication systems, information systems, radar, sonar and navigation equipment.

As a Weapon Technician you will be responsible for the testing, maintenance and repair of the ship’s arsenal of modern and accurate weaponry, which may include: small arms, torpedoes, surface to air missiles, Phalanx close in weapons systems, 25mm Bushmaster, the Mini typhoon and the ANZAC Frigate’s 5 inch gun.

Job on Base

Shore postings are also possible for Electronic and Weapons Technicians and not only provide a break from life at sea, but also provide an opportunity to gain experience in other areas, such as further training, ship maintenance and repair, and technical administration.

Job on Deployment

Whilst at sea your responsibility is ensuring the electronic systems and weapon systems are maintained and in a state of operational readiness to provide the ship with the ability to ‘fight’. Like everyone else onboard, you will be expected to participate in general shipboard duties and activities not connected with your specialist role and have the opportunity to visit different ports and environments both in New Zealand and overseas.

Career Progression

You join the Navy as an Ordinary Rate completing Basic Common Training, you will then conduct a 44 week course enhancing and developing your skills as an electronic technician. On completion of this you will be subject to between 18-24 months of sea going training and familiarisation. Through this period you will be required to complete a ‘task book’ which will make you eligible for promotion to Able rate. During your Leading Hands professional Course, you will be given the opportunity to decide whether you would like to specialise as a Weapons Technician or an Electronics Technician before continuing further development within your specialisation.

Careers in the Navy 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.

While undertaking Basic Recruit Course you will be paid as a Recruit (see attached pay table). On completion of  your Recruit Course you will be paid as an Ordinary Rate and your pay will continue to increase as your career progresses.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.
• Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.
• You must have a minimum of 80 credits in level 1 NCEA.
• You must have a minimum of 12 credits in Maths and English at level 1 NCEA or above.
• You must have a minimum of 12 credits in Science or Physics at level 1 NCEA or above.

You must be medically fit for service.

As an Electronic Technician you will be posted to Devonport Naval Base for the first 12-18 months conducting specialist training. On completion you will either be posted to ship or to the Devonport Naval Base.