Electronic Warfare Specialists intercept and exploit electromagnetic emissions. This involves ‘looking’ and ‘listening’ for electronic signals passing through the atmosphere. As an Electronic Warfare Specialist you are part of a team that analyses those emissions, and operates a range of modern and sophisticated recording, receiving and analysis equipment.

Electronic Warfare Specialists must be able to gain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance as your day-to-day work is highly sensitive. You will undergo a detailed security evaluation after recruitment to ensure that you are able to obtain the right level of security clearance. In addition to this you will undergo a psychological assessment to determine the field you will specialise in and if you are the right person for that field.

Job on Base

When Electronic Warfare Specialists are not deployed they will work in the Naval Operations Support Unit which is located in the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. In addition to this Electronic Warfare Specialists may be required to take up positions in the Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters, or the Joint Electronic Warfare Support Facility which are located in the Wellington region.

Job on Deployment

Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea primarily work in Defence Watches which consist of a 7 x 5 routine (i.e. 7 hours on, 7 hours off, 5 hours on, 5 hours off). In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Electronic Warfare Specialists, on a rotational basis.

Electronic Warfare Specialists are primarily employed on the ANZAC Class ships. However Electronic Warfare Specialists will deploy on the MRV and OPVs if there is an operational need to do so. There are also opportunities to deploy on one of the NZDF operational missions overseas or undertake a posting overseas that will allow you to enhance your tradecraft.

Career Progression

As soon as Basic Common Training (13 weeks) is completed you will conduct your Basic Branch Training (12 weeks). Electronic Warfare Specialists usually post to a ship to consolidate the skills learnt and work towards their first promotion to become an Able Electronic Warfare Specialist. After achieving this rank, they will complete advanced training in specialised analyst operations.

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 19 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for five years.

• You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.

• Have a minimum of 8 NCEA level 1 credits in English and Maths.

• You must be medically fit for service.

• No decreased colour perception.

You will either be based on one of the RNZN warships or to the Naval Operations Support Unit – Devonport Naval Base.