Defence Careers - Engineering & Technical trades

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.

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

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.

Do you think you could strip down an aircraft and rebuild it? With this job you’ll find out how – servicing, overhauling and maintaining all our aircraft systems and components.

From guided missiles to explosives, this is your opportunity to understand and maintain some of the world’s most awesome weapons systems.

As an Armourer, you will learn how to safely dismantle, diagnose and repair all of the weapons used by the New Zealand Army. From an assault rifle to the cannon on our Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV).

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.

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.

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.

Become a qualified carpenter and builder with the NZ Army and enjoy unrivaled training, adventure and travel.

With the motto of ‘Ubique’ meaning ‘everywhere’, military engineering is a varied and exciting trade. It includes bridge building, small boat handling and explosives handling among many skills.

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.

Take advantage of unmatched electrical engineering apprenticeship training. Enjoy a variety of work challenges very few electrician careers offer.

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.

As an Electronics Technician you are responsible for maintaining the NZ Army’s ‘eyes and ears’.

As an Air Force Engineering Officer you will lead teams of highly skilled technicians operating in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

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.

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.

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.

Marine Engineer Officers are the Navy’s experts on ship’s structure, propulsion, power generation, hydraulic and habitability systems.

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.

As a Plant Operator, you will use heavy machinery to construct or cross obstacles and keep our troops and equipment moving.

Get unrivalled training, trade qualifications and a diversity of experience that few plumbing careers or apprenticeships offer.

Army Reserve

As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will be one of the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management system experts.

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