Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Engineering & Technical trades
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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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
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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
Fitness & Medical
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
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.
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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.
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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
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you will be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim) for your Recruit Course. Here you will do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
- Physical Fitness
- Teamwork and Self Discipline
02Job Training
Job Training
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS COURSE
After your Recruit Course you will complete a full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. This course covers:
- Personal Qualities and Attitudinal Expectations in the Aviation Workplace,
- Aviation Workplace Safety,
- Aeronautical Engineering Trade Science and Administration,
- Aeronautical Engineering Tooling and Processes,
- Maintenance Practices.
This course is a requirement for all technical trades within the RNZAF and sets you up well for your career as an aviation technician.
PRIMARY TRADE TRAINING
The Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals Course is followed by a 27-week full-time Armament Mechanic course, also at Woodbourne. This course will provide you with the fundamental skills to become an Armament Mechanic. After completing the course, you’ll return to an operational unit on either RNZAF Base Auckland or Ohakea to consolidate your skills in the workplace before commencing your Armament Technician Course. It is during this time that a typical Armament Mechanic will be moved around different work areas in order to provide them with a wide grounding in Armament skills before commencing their Technicians training.
ADVANCED TRADE TRAINING
The Armament Technician Course is a 13-week fulltime course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne that will further develop your skills as an RNZAF Armourer. After graduating, you will return to a base as a qualified tradesperson.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
As your experience grows, there are a number of post graduate courses to focus your talents in various specialised fields. These courses include; Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Range Safety, Examiner and Inspector of Explosives and Explosive Facility Test Certifier.
04Career Progression
Career Progression
As you gain experience and progress within your trade, you will be appointed to positions where you will be responsible for the supervision of Squadron armament sections, armament component servicing bays or munition preparation areas. Armament Technicians are also required to work in technical administration sections to ensure that airworthiness standards are maintained on the Squadrons and in the RNZAF as a whole.
The opportunity also exists for Armament Technicians to support Royal New Zealand Navy ships in support of seaborne helicopter operations, to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron, and to the Defence Munitions Management Group.
You are responsible for the personnel under your command, including the assessment of personnel performance, mentoring, personnel development planning, and the maintenance of discipline. You will also be responsible for compliance with munitions and weapon security regulations.
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.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
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
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
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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