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Airforce

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

    $68,103

  • 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 2/25, starts 19 May 2025 Apply by 20 Jan 2025

    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

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV 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. Once you have graduated as an Armament Technician, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 24 months in the Air Force.

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

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

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
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

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

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
Air Force Application Process 20240920

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
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Ready to start your Air Force career?

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