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
As an Air Force Machinist, you’ll be a member of the ground crew, jointly responsible for all aspects of maintenance required to support RNZAF aircraft operations. Your duties will range from the manufacture, repair and modification of aeronautical and non-aeronautical components.
As your career progresses, you’ll be given greater responsibilities in maintaining aircraft and associated equipment. Senior Machinists are required to perform military command and leadership duties as team leaders. You may also be appointed as an instructor.
Accepting Applications
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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
- 3 years secondary school.
Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
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. On graduation as a Machine Tool Setter, 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
The RNZAF uses a broad range of aeronautical and non-aeronautical tools and equipment to facilitate its day-to-day activities. Machinists play a crucial role in the manufacture and repair of this equipment.
This includes the manufacture, modification and repair of both aeronautical and non-aeronautical components. Tasks will vary from precision measuring to machining aircraft primary structure and components using lathes, milling machines, precision grinders and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery.
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Job on Deployment
As a trained military professional, you will have skills which can be employed as part of a deployed team anywhere in the world. While your core trade skills may not be required in these settings, there will be opportunities to serve New Zealand and assist with humanitarian or other efforts in pursuit of global peace and security.
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. 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,
- Aeronautical Components/Systems, and
- 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
On completion of the Aeronautical Engineering Course you start primary trade training on a 33.5-week full-time residential Machinist Course. This will provide you with the basic skills to become an Air Force Machinist and will be followed by around two years’ on-the-job training on RNZAF Base Ohakea or Auckland.
ADVANCED TRADE TRAINING
Advanced trade training is a 29.5-week Machine Tool Setter and Operator Course. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be posted to either RNZAF Base Auckland or RNZAF Base Ohakea, where you will use your new-found skills to help keep the Air Force operating.
03Career Progression
Career Progression
After gaining considerable experience, you’ll be given greater responsibilities encompassing management of machining tasks and associated equipment.
In addition to using their trade skills Machinists are eligible to perform military command and leadership duties as a team leader and may be required to manage section budgets.
Team leaders are responsible for the personnel under their command, including the conduct of personnel performance appraisals, mentoring, personnel development planning, and the maintenance of discipline. Machinists with substantial trade knowledge and experience may also be appointed as instructors where they will train and assess trainee Machinists.
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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