Life in an Engineering and Technical Trade role
Your life will be varied and interesting, as you get to grips with maintaining, repairing and diagnosing any problems with our most complex equipment. There are many roles available, each with its own set of skills required.
Medical & Fitness
An eye for detail
Whatever service you choose, you'll be the crucial talent needed to keep our machinery up and running.
24 Roles available in the Engineering & Technical trades specialisation across All services
Airforce
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
This career is ideal if you like getting your hands dirty as well as using your head to solve technical problems. As a vital part of our ground crew, you’ll be trained to manufacture and repair a variety of equipment, using various metals and alloys.
Army
- In Demand
Combat & Special Operations | Engineering & Technical trades | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a New Zealand Army Officer, you will lead teams in many different types of demanding environments, ensuring they are well-prepared, resilient, and mission-ready.
Army
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry, Apprenticeships
Our Automotive Technicians are the backbone of the Army, keeping soldiers and vehicles mission ready. From diesel trucks to armoured vehicles, motorbikes to generators, you’ll be the expert who keeps the force moving. This isn’t just a mechanic’s job it’s a career filled with adventure, teamwork, and nationally recognised qualifications. You’ll train on equipment most mechanics never touch, gain leadership skills, and take on challenges in the field that civilian workshops can’t match. Join us, and turn your skills into power, pride, and purpose.
Airforce
- In Demand
Avionics Technician (Aviation Electronics)
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
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.
Army
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
Electrical Fitters maintain and repair the vast array of electrical equipment used by the Army. Effectively the “jack of all trades” amongst the electrical workers, you will be charged with fixing anything, anywhere, in particular looking after power generation and reticulation, as well as refrigeration systems.
Navy
- In Demand
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
As an Electronic Technician you will be the ship’s electronic expert. You will learn to maintain a wide range of cutting edge technological systems. Or you may specialise as a Weapon Technician, maintaining the ship’s arsenal of weapons and systems. You’ll have the opportunity to earn as you learn on board, sailing local and international waters, and sampling foods, cultures and scenic attractions of coastal port towns.
Airforce
Ground Support Equipment Technician
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry, Apprenticeships
Good with your hands and have an interest in motor vehicles and general engineering? As a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician, you’ll have a hands-on role in maintaining a wide range of specialist vehicles, and aviation and field support equipment.
Airforce
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
If you’re keen on a hands-on technical career and love aircraft, this is the job for you. As a Machinist in the Air Force, you’ll be responsible for the manufacture and repair of aeronautical and non-aeronautical equipment, using a range of complex and technically advanced machines and tools.
Army
Apprenticeship trades | Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
Maintenance Fitters are essential to the operational success of the New Zealand Army. They maintain and repair a diverse range of equipment, utilising advanced engineering skills to manufacture or fabricate solutions that ensure units remain operational. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining the capability to win the fight, providing the technical support needed to keep military operations running smoothly.
Navy
- In Demand
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
As a Marine Technician (MT) you’ll operate and maintain the ship's equipment and systems in all conditions, to ensure the ship remains fully operational and ready to respond to different tasks. You’ll have the opportunity to earn as you learn on board, sailing local and international waters, and sampling the foods, cultures and scenic attractions of coastal port towns.
Army
Plant Operator (Heavy Machinery Operator)
Engineering & Technical trades
General entry
As a Plant Operator, you will use heavy machinery to construct or cross obstacles and keep our troops and equipment moving.