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Navy

Electronic Warfare Specialist

Looking for and identifying electronic signals passing through the atmosphere is a specialised role. We will train you to become a master of this technical role.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As an Electronic Warfare Specialist, you are a key component of the ship's war fighting team. An Electronic Warfare Specialist's primary war fighting role is to identify and defend against anti-ship missiles. You will be trained to have intimate knowledge of ships, aircraft, and their associated weapons and radars. Additionally, Electronic Warfare Specialists provide self-defence in a war-fighting capacity and assist in early warning of potential threats against the ship. Electronic Warfare Specialists must be able to gain and maintain a higher level security clearance as your day-to-day work is highly sensitive.

All Electronic Warfare Specialists complete demanding training in technical analysis and equipment usage. The day-to-day tasks are real challenges that offer great opportunities for high achievers.

Electronic Warfare Specialists are able to understand and meet the strict security constraints that surround this type of work, and are also able to present information clearly and concisely to those in command, giving them an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed.

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

Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

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.

“Going to so many different places thereʻs so much opportunity out there. If you’re the type of person you can definitely jump in at any chance you get – that’s the reason I joined.”

Jeanette Landers

  • Job on base

    When Electronic Warfare Specialists are not deployed they will work in the Naval Operations Support Unit which is located at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. In addition to this Electronic Warfare Specialists may be required to take up positions in the Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters, or the Joint Electronic Warfare Support Facility which are located in the Wellington region.

  • Job on deployment

    Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea primarily work in Defence Watches intercepting radar emissions and identifying potential threats. Electronic Warfare Specialists provide the ship with early warning and situational awareness so the Command Team can make appropriate decisions at the tactical level. In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Electronic Warfare Specialists, on a rotational basis.

    Electronic Warfare Specialists are primarily employed on the ANZAC Class ships. However Electronic Warfare Specialists will deploy on the MRV and OPVs if there is an operational need to do so. There are also opportunities to deploy on one of the NZDF operational missions overseas or undertake a posting overseas that will allow you to enhance your tradecraft.

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, 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.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Be Prepared

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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.

Medical & Fitness
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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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Ready to start your Navy career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

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