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Airforce

Electronics Technician (Aviation)

Travel the world and work on our expanding fleet of aircraft, learning how to maintain and repair the complex electronics systems that keep them flying. On any given day you could find yourself in the hangar on base, out on the flight line or in the field working on working on aviation systems, navigation, radios and conducting specialised electronics work.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Engineering & Technical trades

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Varied

As an Electronics Technician you will have the opportunity to work with modern electronic systems and a limited number of simple mechanical systems fitted to military aircraft. You will carry out all aspects of equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Whether you’re finding and repairing faults in aircraft on operations overseas, or working with our specialist equipment at maintenance facilities on base, being an Electronics Technician is an exciting and challenging role.

Accepting Applications

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

    Apply Now
  • Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 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 SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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.

Keeping the C-130H Hercules running

Bailey gives us a run down on how his team of maintenance personnel keep C-130H Hercules aircraft ready to fly.

  • Job on base

    As an Electronics Technician, you will work on base, at either an operational flying Squadron or a Maintenance Bay. As you advance through your career and get promoted there are further opportunities for employment within the Air Force.

     

    Squadron duties

    RNZAF flying squadrons are the focus of aircraft operations and, as part of a ground crew, you will be responsible for aircraft maintenance, fault finding, servicing, receiving and dispatching aircraft for flying tasks. Maintenance duties include the installation and removal of components, and conducting the operational checks and servicings to ensure that aircraft systems are fully serviceable for the next flight.

    You will also complete routine maintenance when an aircraft reaches a prescribed number of flying hours. Before the aircraft can fly again it must be intensively cleaned, inspected, tested, components replaced and the aircraft fully reassembled. The technology used in the aviation industry is ever changing and you’ll be required to operate a wide range of test equipment. This includes computer software to assist with maintenance checks, ground running of aircraft avionic systems and the rectification of avionic, software and network faults.

     

    Maintenance bay duties

    When not working with a squadron, Electronics Technicians work in the specialised maintenance bays. Here, avionic components are tested, repaired and returned to service to meet flying squadron demands. Your duties include inspecting components returning from overseas repair, loading of software and as necessary, developing new systems or equipment for testing electronic components.

  • Job on deployment

    When squadron aircraft deploy overseas for routine flights, peacekeeping, disaster relief or military operations, Electronic Technicians are part of the attached maintenance team to service and repair the aircraft. You may be responsible for ensuring all the correct tools and spare parts are brought along on the deployment, setting up a computer network for computerised maintenance recording at the deployed location, and liaising with foreign military or civilian personnel for equipment to support maintenance tasks. Operational environments can be widely varied providing new challenges on every deployment.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing training

04Specialist Training

05Career 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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