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Navy

Combat System Specialist

As a Combat Systems Specialist (CSS) you will work in a team to operate military radars and sonars to understand what ships, aircraft and submarines are in the vicinity of a warship, whether threat or friendly force. If necessary, you'll operate remotely controlled weapons systems to defend and defeat the enemy. You’ll also act as a crucial communications link between maritime helicopters and home plate (the Ship).

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As a Combat System Specialist, you will work with a large team in Ships Operations Rooms using military radar and information systems to build a picture of the environment surrounding a warship. You will locate, track and classify surface ships, submarines and aircraft to inform action - whether to intercept pirates or drug smugglers, check fishing boats for quota compliance, conduct a search and rescue, hunt terrorists and weapons smugglers or let the whale pass by.

Combat System Specialists are integral to protecting the Ship through successful engagement of targets with both shipboard and airborne weapons. A key part of the role is operating remotely controlled weapons systems, including the Phalanx CIWS, Typhoon and Mini-Typhoon heavy machine gun to defeat threats. You’ll also be responsible for directing Maritime Helicopters in tasks such as Search and Rescue or anti-submarine warfare.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the daily operations of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and take part in missions such as boarding fishing vessels in the Ross Sea (Antarctica) or ensuring maritime trade routes remain open in the South China Sea, Malacca Straits and Arabian Gulf. As you operate in these areas, you'll become familiar with many ports and cities, especially those of Sydney, Freemantle and Singapore where the RNZN spends a lot of time.

 

Accepting Applications

  • Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 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.

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

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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.

See what it's like to live on a Navy ship, launch torpedos, detect targets and threats, be the heartbeat of the war-fighting effort and so much more.

  • Job on base

    When working on shore, you will work at the Combat System Trainer. This is a high fidelity simulator that replicates the Operations room aboard our Anzac class Frigates: HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana. The training allows other Combat System Specialists to progress through their career and will also allow you to upskill  and grow your knowledge.

  • Job on deployment

    At the early stages of your career, you will be posted to our Patrol vessels, working to locate and identify surface ships of interest. Your core role will be to contact these vessels via radio, collect information from them and prepare them to be visited by the Ship’s boarding team.

    Boarding may take place during fisheries patrols in support of the Ministry of Primary Industries, or during customs patrols to support NZ Customs Service and maintain the integrity of Aotearoa’s maritime borders. In these roles you will also work closely with Fisheries Officers both around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. It is on board Patrol vessels that you will operate the Typhoon Weapon system to defend the ship.

    On-board our purpose built warships, you’ll be responsible for operating the Combat Management System to operate radars and other sensors to locate and detect threats for the ship to engage and destroy. Our Anzac class Frigates predominantly operate around the Arabian Gulf and South China Sea with partner Navies. It is on-board Frigates that you will operate the Phalanx CIWS and Mini-Typhoon Weapon system to defend the ship and direct the Ship's helicopter.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career progression

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 Navy are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

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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.

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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
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