Air Force - Aircraft Systems Technician

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.

About the role

Engineering & Technical trades

Entry type

General entry

Under training

$68,860

Location

Varied

As an Aircraft Systems Technician, you’ll be a member of the ground crew, jointly responsible for maintaining all aircraft mechanical systems used on the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) aircraft. These systems include aircraft structures, flight controls, engines, propellers, helicopter rotors, hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, and fuel. Your duties will range from day-to-day servicing of aircraft on the flight line to scheduled maintenance and maintaining the aircraft as it travels overseas.

Accepting Applications

Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 2025

Recruit 1/26, starts 19 Jan 2026 Apply by 25 Aug 2025

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from the recruit course.

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

Aircraft Maintenance

Your job is to keep all our aircraft and associated components in optimal condition for military operations. As the RNZAF fleet is upgraded or replaced, you will work with the latest technology. Advances in technology mean greater integration with avionic trades, especially in how aircraft systems are operated and maintained. Fault diagnosis and general maintenance involve using specialist electronic equipment and on-board computer systems.

RNZAF flying squadrons focus on aircraft operations. As part of a ground crew, you will maintain aircraft, conduct fault finding, service, and handle aircraft dispatching for flying tasks. You will perform systems-based operational level maintenance, including installing and removing components, and conducting operational checks and servicing to ensure aircraft are ready for the next flight.

The aviation industry’s technology is constantly evolving, requiring you to operate various test equipment, including software applications, to assist with maintenance checks, ground running of engines, and fault rectification. Squadron-based Aircraft Systems Technicians perform intermediate level maintenance after aircraft reach prescribed flying hours, which involves cleaning, inspecting, testing, replacing components, and reassembling aircraft to ensure they are flight-ready.

Maintenance Bay Duties

When faults cannot be fixed during operational maintenance, you will remove components and send them to specialized bays for repair. These bays are staffed by your fellow technicians, responsible for maintaining uninstalled components, ensuring spares are available for immediate fitting. In these bays, components are dismantled, tested, repaired, and returned to service to meet squadron demands.

Job on deployment

When squadrons deploy overseas, Aircraft Systems Technicians service and repair aircraft in environments that may differ significantly from home base. You will operate independently, often in challenging conditions, and interact with personnel speaking different languages. You will play a crucial role in maintaining aircraft readiness for various missions, experiencing the impact of your work firsthand.

Upon enlistment, you will undergo basic military training, including:

• Organization and Administration
• RNZAF Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
• First Aid and Search and Rescue Techniques

You will earn a competitive salary during training, with additional allowances for field, sea, overseas, or operational deployments.

Benefits include:

• Access to marae or tūrangawaewae
• Sponsored tertiary study programs
• Free gym and swimming pool access
• Travel opportunities
• Free/subsidized medical and dental care
• Subsidized food and accommodation
• Insurance coverage
• Support for home buying and retirement savings

Careers in the Air Force are rewarding, diverse, and exciting. As you gain experience and qualifications, your salary will increase accordingly.

Under training

$68,860

Future potential earnings

$98,000

Am I fit enough?

You need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

The application process

This is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the application process for military roles.

From guided missiles to explosives, you will learn to understand and maintain some of the world’s most advanced weapons systems.

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